tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55237412149147192962024-03-05T22:29:12.431+00:00Beautiful Bookish ButterfliesAmanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.comBlogger499125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-50966872561480515042015-07-01T01:33:00.000+01:002015-07-01T01:33:57.499+01:00Goodbye June - Hello July | Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2y369I-dbxAV21mcn9DMUa82Y5ZBQPadOehkJ9mZAkEzkbwPNx4fxU82Sxw5Wq_5-J9RLsF4GxqiWCJfPHC_p6tAt80KFYMnUmygfQnuJp-EDrPdJGlEij_F0YdtNttDvcL423mXg7SZY/s1600/june.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2y369I-dbxAV21mcn9DMUa82Y5ZBQPadOehkJ9mZAkEzkbwPNx4fxU82Sxw5Wq_5-J9RLsF4GxqiWCJfPHC_p6tAt80KFYMnUmygfQnuJp-EDrPdJGlEij_F0YdtNttDvcL423mXg7SZY/s1600/june.jpg" /></a><br /><br />
<h1>
Beautiful Bookish Butterflies In-Review</h1>
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<th style="background-color: #ff708a; width: 55%;"><h4>
<span style="color: white;">
Reviews</span></h4>
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<th style="background-color: #ff708a; width: 45%;"><h4>
<span style="color: white;">
Popular Reviews This Month</span></h4>
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<td><a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/book-review-nowhere-but-here.html">Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-half-o"></i></a><br />
<a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/book-review-bruja-aileen-erin.html">Bruja by Aileen Erin: </a><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><br />
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/book-review-mindwalker.html">Mindwalker by A.J. Steiger: </a><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-half-o"></i><br />
<a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/book-review-one-night-aj-pine.html">One Night by A.J. Pine: </a><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><br />
<a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/book-review-traitor-by-allen-zadoff.html">The Traitor by Allen Zadoff: </a><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><br />
<a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/film-review-jurassic-world.html">Jurassic World: </a><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-half-o"></i><br />
<a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/book-review-maxon-by-christina-bauer.html">Maxon by Christina Bauer: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i></a></td>
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<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/book-review-nowhere-but-here.html"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422584378l/23492282.jpg" width="120" /></a> <a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/film-review-jurassic-world.html"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEITF508wXApq3fTbiLdfVze4TFTlqONhdobeHZA7M5IlU1h98cmYo4RX0YMNXSVAYNIjYIAhhSi_heLqbqbcfvSisGUE9_Ika0lDwhWqgBFyDT5QNNwHZ8arZwWXTBAqY5pMRRh7aJZn/s400/download.jpg" width="120" /></a>
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<h4>
Features and Discussions</h4>
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<ul>
<li>Amanda shared <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/5-changes-creating-blog-today.html">five things she'd do differently if she created a blog today</a></li>
<li>Amanda shared <a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/awesome-blog-posts-may.html">a collection of awesome posts she loved in May</a></li>
<li>Amanda talked about her <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/stop-using-sexual-assaultrape-as.html">hatred for sexual assault/rape as character development</a></li>
<li>Amanda took a look at her <a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/series-relationship-2015.html">series relationship with a 2015 update</a></li>
<li>Amanda played hide and seek with her books in the <a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/hide-and-seek-find-me-book-tag.html">Find Me Book Tag</a></li>
<li>Amanda shared <a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/search-tools-how-to-find-time.html">how to find time restricted blog tutorials with Search Tools</a></li>
<li>Amanda announced her <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/amandas-big-announcement-nellie-and-co.html">leaving BBB and opening up Nellie and Co.</a></li>
<li>Amanda talked about <a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/revamp-old-blog-content.html">revamping, re-sharing and republishing old content</a></li>
<li>Amanda and Stacie talked princesses in the <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/chin-up-crownll-fall-disney-princess-tag.html">Disney Book Tag</a></li>
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<h4>
Your Favourite Discussions This Month</h4>
<a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/5-changes-creating-blog-today.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4NE1IW3F7ye7lApvAnYhT7rMcRhdzuDabH70uefbL0hyPqIndxCtu3wFzoG7epdHZTnbgvMKdlpgHaFB2892s_RYn84xpdIJkhWn0_xjxJY5gZXcdEu_L0euDPLBXB1qZpmrG6Ea0GD_/s1600/creating-blog-today.jpg" width="24%" /></a> <a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/awesome-blog-posts-may.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlYC4Wa9rak4OdlcN6plsCWrHu8790OFr-mr4kT89WY66pkK48VeqWI_kqOwthmrYT2mT1FBKKATB-C3AFV8S6JnhWPp16G9gyY4hbVXrDVQ8cmjtY6Eg5BQ_JRysZCBDmR-ySwuWml2l/s1600/blogger+love-.jpg" width="24%" /></a> <a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/stop-sexual-assault-rape-in-ya.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1roEHv02SO98j7cM0IwGToNANGGzdbH7DTtGz0zobU0GHCBzwKjKu5JNCluvn-NV6fFcJhyphenhyphenW0G_JayMakMQb-SYh3k7tOzNIoUZ576Mm3a8sa-UgzKboAeac8bm4EKKiu2SPe35Cf-88/s1600/sexual-assault-rape-character-development.jpg" width="24%" /></a> <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/amandas-big-announcement-nellie-and-co.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8m789o0TOQ3z3wmIduP4YswgONMm1v1-quf3MxNInuT5vlEId58he_NG6i9vZP5ulrFcRinkYv5RNxyR46x3qpUVnfpqoXLAE80iID7nrs2G7FtAsPAw7I5o-XRD2RQsGhV0xCulMRjN/s1600/nel.jpg" width="24%" /></a><br /><br />
<h4>
Blogging News</h4>
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It's been pretty quiet on the western front this month, which makes me feel insanely guilty, but with the big announcement of <a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/">Nellie and Co.</a> for me, and Stacie still dealing with some personal issues, Beautiful Bookish Butterflies has suffered big time. Truth is, in a way, this is preparation for what will be, at least for the time being, a quiet spell of activity on BBB. Until Stacie feels prepared and ready to blog again on her own, consider BBB out of action.<br />
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HOWEVER, and this is a big however, in order to catch any of my future content, you're going to have to somehow follow me either on <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/nellie-co-14208245">Bloglovin'</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/nellieand_co">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/amanda_lg/">Pinterest</a>, Email, via my <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NellieAndCo">Feed</a> or through GFC. While my previous content both on here and on Book Badger will take you to Nellie and Co. if you only follow BBB, you won't catch any new content from me. Do make sure you're following somehow.<br />
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<h1>
Amanda's June In-Review</h1>
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Books Read</span></h4>
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<span style="color: white;">
Books of the Month</span></h4>
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<td>One Night by A.J. Pine: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><br />
Maxon by Christina Bauer: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><br />
The Traitor by Allen Zadoff: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><br />
Bomb by Sarah Mussi: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><br />
The Fixer by Jennifer Lyn Barnes: N/A<br />
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Fire Fall by Bethany Frenette: Reading..<br />
The Last Summer of Us: Reading..</td>
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<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1434027233l/25016662.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1434027233l/25016662.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1418036245l/22929578.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1418036245l/22929578.jpg" width="100" /></a></center>
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<h4>
Away from the Blog</h4>
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I can't believe what a whirlwind June has been! Man, where do I start? Maybe I should start with the big news of this being my last official post on Beautiful Bookish Butterflies.. Oh it's so hard to leave it behind, I'm going to miss working with Stacie on fun blog projects and bouncing blog ideas off, and obviously I'll still be able to do the latter, but it won't be the same. However, I am insanely excited to get started on <a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/">Nellie and Co.</a> Granted, the site is up and running and viewable, but it won't feel like home until I host the official welcome party, so until them, I'm just twiddling my thumbs and getting way too nervous over your judgy eyes. If you missed my big announcement post, then sorry to break the news to you this way, but to make sure you don't miss anything else, be aware that Twitter and Instagram handles have changed too. Don't forget that!<br />
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The next big news is - a little more complicated to explain, but I'll do my best. I'm now part of a government scheme to get young adults my age into work before they become long-term unemployed. I've been without a job since September, which is a pretty long time, and it sucks, so to know that this program is aiming to get me into a place by the end of Summer, it's really exciting. It's been none stop on that front, learning new things, harnessing my skills, using my blogging experience as a form of work experience, it's great, but very demanding. Here's hoping it gets me somewhere though.<br />
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Other bits and pieces of news consist of:<br />
<ul>
<li>I am slowly getting back at my reading, although most have been fabulous. Wahey!</li>
<li>I finally paid my half of the Blackpool B&B for September. Weekend break, here I come.</li>
<li>Today begins my week-long stay at the best ones house. What mischief we will cause..</li>
<li>Oh, and cat news! It's finally happening, I'm getting a fluffy meow soon, no specifics though.</li>
</ul>
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It's been a very busy June, and it's only going to get busier. I'm really sad to say goodbye to my home here, but I'm excited to get started at Nellie and Co. so please, do subscribe to my emails over there and follow me at Twitter and Instagram for regular updates, or Pinterest if that's where you prefer. It's time to start this new chapter of my life, lets get on it.<br />
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<h1>
How Was Your June? Let Us Know!
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</center>Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com66tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-50666252129597291562015-06-30T00:00:00.000+01:002015-06-30T00:00:03.309+01:00Chin Up, The Crown'll Fall - Disney Princess Tag<center>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/DISNEY_zpsdxed0say.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DISNEY_zpsdxed0say.png" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/DISNEY_zpsdxed0say.png" /></a><br />
<h1>
Anna and Elsa - Frozen (2013)</h1>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/bf2fcb67170c567e617d8520aa20e40271f69fde_mini_zpsvfjolloe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo bf2fcb67170c567e617d8520aa20e40271f69fde_mini_zpsvfjolloe.jpg" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/bf2fcb67170c567e617d8520aa20e40271f69fde_mini_zpsvfjolloe.jpg" /></a>
<h4>
A book involving siblings</h4>
<b>Amanda:</b> Perfectly Ella is the first book that springs to mind for me - lots of sisters and lots of laughs, but also Penryn and Paige from Penryn and the End of Days, and Percy and Tyson from Percy Jackson/Heroes of Olympus. So much sibling love, beautiful.<br /><b>
Stacie:</b> I'm going to say You Against Me <span class="by smallText">by</span>
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Jenny Downham</span></span>, while looking through my list of books I'd read on goodreads to get inspiration, it was one that just jumped out at me because basses around a brother and sister relationship (and other things haha). However I would also say The Vampire Diaries or Forbidden<br />
<h1>
Rapunzel - Tangled (2010)</h1>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/tangled_306909_mini_zpsgsv79vth.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo tangled_306909_mini_zpsgsv79vth.jpg" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/tangled_306909_mini_zpsgsv79vth.jpg" /></a>
<h4>
A book that made you emotional</h4>
<b>
Amanda:</b> So many books I could choose right now, honestly, there's a craaaaaazy amount, but Half Wild is a book I'm still completely not over yet. So many LGBT shippy feels, but most of all, why do that Green? Why my favourite? MY MARCUS.<br /><b>
Stacie:</b> As in recently? I think the only book to make me feel intense amounts of emotion this year would be All The Bright Places (and Heir of Fire) I'm still trying to recover from being punched in the gut by that book.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>
<h1>
Merida - Brave (2012)</h1>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/Brave-Merida-aims_mini_zpsdw8swf7o.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Brave-Merida-aims_mini_zpsdw8swf7o.jpg" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/Brave-Merida-aims_mini_zpsdw8swf7o.jpg" /></a><h4>
A book featuring a female warrior</h4>
<b>
Amanda:</b> Ooooo, Tanith from Skulduggery Pleasant just hits this topic head on. She's badass, she's hilarious, she's insanely talented, she's fierce and loyal, she's got the most naive and sweet thoughts on romance and just kicks ass. So much love.<br /><b>
Stacie:</b> <span id="freeTextContainer3720206316947123195">Alina in Shadow and Bone, Lily in Trail by Fire, </span><span id="freeTextContainer5040677411396118391">Aria in Under the Never Sky</span>, Katniss in The Hunger Games. (.... and obviously <span id="freeTextContainer6259756779114675076">Celaena in Throne of Glass, couldn't know mention her just wanted to show that I can think of others haha)</span><br /><br />
<h1>
Tiana - Princess and the Frog (2009)</h1>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/Tiana_209_mini_zps8unrh5zr.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Tiana_209_mini_zps8unrh5zr.jpg" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/Tiana_209_mini_zps8unrh5zr.jpg" /></a><h4>
A book that features realistic struggles</h4>
<b>
Amanda:</b> Wonder and Last Leaves Falling are books that really work in highlighting incurable illnesses and general deformities that affect people in everyday life. Auggie is a wonderful voice, and Sora's is honest and heartbreaking. Please read them.<br /><b>
Stacie:</b> Pretty much anything by Sarah Dessen, every book that one write has something in it that I can relate to and I'm sure others do can to.<br /><br />
<h1>
Belle - Beauty and the Beast (1991)</h1>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/c5fb264c960a47535e0f89779ac70eec56d3e3aa_mini_zps6oybfan1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo c5fb264c960a47535e0f89779ac70eec56d3e3aa_mini_zps6oybfan1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/c5fb264c960a47535e0f89779ac70eec56d3e3aa_mini_zps6oybfan1.jpg" /></a><h4>
A literary book or classic</h4>
<b>
Amanda:</b> I personally quite liked reading An Inspector Calls for GCSE. Poignant and powerful, it's a great classic play.<br /><b>
Stacie:</b> Lets go with Of Mice and Men, predictable right?. I like the book, I've read it a good handful of time and was made to watch the movie over and over again in high school. Lenny breaks my heart :(<br /><br />
<h1>
Pocahontas - Pocahontas (1995)</h1>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/81479974bc10e4c0869f0ba5f01eb8ef_mini_zpsim86zc3z.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 81479974bc10e4c0869f0ba5f01eb8ef_mini_zpsim86zc3z.jpg" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/81479974bc10e4c0869f0ba5f01eb8ef_mini_zpsim86zc3z.jpg" /></a><h4>
A nature-themed book or book by a naturalist</h4>
<b>
Amanda:</b> I think I may be stretching this to it's brink, but The Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa features Winter and Summer Courts, with lots of seasonal magic and fabulousness, I can choose that, right? I still need to read Call of Forgotten.. and I will, soon.<br /><b>
Stacie:</b> I can no think of one, like I'm really stuck. The only one I keep thinking about is the Under the Never Sky series because of the weather.<br /><br />
<h1>
Jasmine - Aladdin (1992)</h1>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/Princess-Jasmine-disney-princess-9584664-1280-800_mini_zpsegred9vb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Princess-Jasmine-disney-princess-9584664-1280-800_mini_zpsegred9vb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/Princess-Jasmine-disney-princess-9584664-1280-800_mini_zpsegred9vb.jpg" /></a><h4>
A book about the desire to be free</h4>
<b>
Amanda:</b> I'd like to pick Throne of Glass, but chances are Stacie will, sooooo, The Art of Wishing features begging for freedom. Of course, it involved genies too, which might explain, but it wasn't that impressive really, too much quick romance, lots of meh.<br /><b>
Stacie:</b> I wasn't actually going to pick it, yes I thought about it but I decided to go with something else. I going to say Vampire Academy, a lo of the character want to be free from certain things that are expected of them. So yeah.. that's my answer haha (though Throne of Glass is the obvious choice)<br /><br />
<h1>
Mulan - Mulan (1998)</h1>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/537840_364354676936753_1562660802_n_mini_zpszrex19sq.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 537840_364354676936753_1562660802_n_mini_zpszrex19sq.jpg" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/537840_364354676936753_1562660802_n_mini_zpszrex19sq.jpg" /></a><h4>
A book featuring war or battles</h4>
<b>
Amanda:</b> I really really want to say Red Queen most, but also anything by Rick Riordan, always.<br /><b>
Stacie:</b> Lord of The Rings. I may not have read the books and only seen the films, but epic war/battle isn't even the word!<br />
<h1>
Ariel - The Little Mermaid (1989)</h1>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/mermaid-ariel%201_zpsnu7jxjv3.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo mermaid-ariel 1_zpsnu7jxjv3.png" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/mermaid-ariel%201_zpsnu7jxjv3.png" /></a><h4>
A book featuring curiosity or learning</h4>
<b>
Amanda:</b> Far fetched it might be, but Never Never sure is curious and has the characters learning a lot about themselves, their pasts, everything that makes them. It's dramatic, it's enthralling, it's addictive, it's emotional and just so so good, so good.<br /><b>
Stacie:</b> Far From You, that book is just ridiculously good. I'd tell you why I'm picking it, but that would be spoiling it now, wouldn't it? ;)<br /><br />
<h1>
Cinderella - Cinderella (1950)</h1>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/cinderela_mini_zpstrovl5pl.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo cinderela_mini_zpstrovl5pl.jpg" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/cinderela_mini_zpstrovl5pl.jpg" /></a><h4>
A book featuring manual labour</h4>
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Amanda:</b> A tough challenge indeed, but the entire Under the Never Sky Series has a lot of manual labour involved. Lots of general scouring for food and resources by Perry's tribe, and a lot of general survival from all involved. That works, right?<br /><b>
Stacie:</b> Only thing thats really coming to mind right now is Hunger Games haha<br /><br />
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Sleeping Beauty - Sleeping Beauty (1959)</h1>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/sleeping-beauty%201_zpsjv7ncyla.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sleeping-beauty 1_zpsjv7ncyla.png" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/sleeping-beauty%201_zpsjv7ncyla.png" /></a><h4>
A book featuring sleep</h4>
<b>
Amanda:</b> Bordering on the edge, I'd say Starters by Lissa Price features a form of sleep. Characters in a dream-like state while other people use their bodies, man that book was good, such a fantastic surprise, and I still need it's sequel.<br /><b>
Stacie:</b> Hmm I'm going to say that same as Amanda, but for a different book. Though I didn't finish it, Mind Games has the same thing, sleep while being in the virtual world. (I'm not getting that confused right?)<br /><br />
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Snow White - Snow White (1937)</h1>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/snow_white_335959_mini_zpslsgzrqmp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo snow_white_335959_mini_zpslsgzrqmp.jpg" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/snow_white_335959_mini_zpslsgzrqmp.jpg" /></a><h4>
A book featuring one of the seven deadly sins</h4>
<b>
Amanda:</b> I will finally give in and whole-heartedly choose Red Queen because it features more than just on sin - Lust, Greed, Wrath and Envy, all at the ends of my favourite character. I'm still not over my heartbreak, why Aveyard, why?!<br /><b>
Stacie:</b> Sweet Evil, simple. The sins are real people called the Dukes and they have kids who they get to corrupt those around them.. Rather surprised Amanda didn't think about it to be honest haha<br />
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Megara - Hercules (1997)</h1>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/Walt-Disney-Screencaps-Megara-walt-disney-characters-37843728-5760-3240%201_zpsl9ekjmvf.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Walt-Disney-Screencaps-Megara-walt-disney-characters-37843728-5760-3240 1_zpsl9ekjmvf.png" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/Walt-Disney-Screencaps-Megara-walt-disney-characters-37843728-5760-3240%201_zpsl9ekjmvf.png" /></a><h4>
A book featuring Greek Mythology</h4>
<b>
Amanda:</b> Ooooo, I'm choosing the entire Angelbound series because it's so subtle with mythology, and so sexy too. BUT, really I'll recommend almost anything in our mythology tag (minus Sweet Venom and Ella Grey.. such bad bad books people..)<br /><b>
Stacie:</b> Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I'm only 3 book in to it and it does remind me of Vampire Academy but its really good.<br />
<h1>
Alice - Alice in Wonderland (1951)</h1>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/D23_FBTimeline_Alice_mini_zpsvprzuwvb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo D23_FBTimeline_Alice_mini_zpsvprzuwvb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/D23_FBTimeline_Alice_mini_zpsvprzuwvb.jpg" /></a><h4>
A book featuring nonsense or a book featuring an unusual other world</h4>
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Amanda:</b> <br /><b>
Stacie:</b> any from the Demonata series by Darren Shan. The demon universe is a pretty strange one to say the least.<br />
<h1>
Maid Marian - Robin Hood (1973)
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<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/maid_marian__by_agentwhitehawk-d6pzhgi%201_zpsvpa0yqyo.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo maid_marian__by_agentwhitehawk-d6pzhgi 1_zpsvpa0yqyo.png" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/maid_marian__by_agentwhitehawk-d6pzhgi%201_zpsvpa0yqyo.png" /></a><h4>
A book with a canine</h4>
<b>
Amanda:</b> Werewolves count as canine, right? Alpha Girl by Aileen Erin for sure. So much realistic romance, plot and excitement, thumbs up to leading ladies ahead of pushy men, lots of dark twisted motives and lots of werewolves, love me some wolves.<br /><b>
Stacie:</b> I don't actaully read as many books with canine's as I should do, but I'll say the Darkest Powers series by <span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Kelley Armstrong</span>, it has a werewolf in the story along the way. Either that or City of Bones.</span><br /><br />
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Nala - Lion King (1994)</h1>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/user/amanda_gray_19941/media/disney/Lion2-disneyscreencaps.com-232_mini_zpsrmfm2irw.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Lion2-disneyscreencaps.com-232_mini_zpsrmfm2irw.jpg" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/disney/Lion2-disneyscreencaps.com-232_mini_zpsrmfm2irw.jpg" /></a><h4>
A book with a feline</h4>
<b>
Amanda:</b> <br /><b>
Stacie: </b>I could be very wrong, and please correct me if I am, but Im pretty sure The Gathering series by Kelley Armstrong is about a were[anther or cat of some description. It's been so long since reading that I've forgot, but I'm sure I'm right.</center>
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Snapexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05894518924876371938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-85728421953933150362015-06-27T01:01:00.000+01:002015-06-27T01:01:14.100+01:00The Unpopular Opinion Tag | Baa Baa Black Sheep<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtt70KIyGcMPpRgOa5L4EFU6PMh9WfT84j8g128kHSzHyC7TRALuOmALGyPAWkbxJQZGSaHhVrr_w06nQT-AQO_y43gsvo2An059rUXH7xIDVfg0I2jNPaxK6kk0X8j_-gsRWQXQXO4Sw/s1600/unpopular+opinion.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtt70KIyGcMPpRgOa5L4EFU6PMh9WfT84j8g128kHSzHyC7TRALuOmALGyPAWkbxJQZGSaHhVrr_w06nQT-AQO_y43gsvo2An059rUXH7xIDVfg0I2jNPaxK6kk0X8j_-gsRWQXQXO4Sw/s1600/unpopular+opinion.png" /></a></center>
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I'm an avid believer in reading books that other people maybe haven't quite shouted from the rooftops about, and that's all fine and dandy, but because of this, I don't tend to stray too far into hyped up territories. They're heavily guarded by dragons that require pieces of your soul to enter, and the people housed up in these hyped up areas, <i>they're crazy and try drag you into their dangerous depths of looneyville</i>, BUT, I have escaped from these territories and visited rival, smaller, and more calmer villages and farms, so today, with thanks to Charnell for tagging me, I'm going to introduce you to my black pet sheep. Baa..<br />
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1. A Popular Book/Series You Didn't Like. At All</h1>
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1391102886l/17756559.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1391102886l/17756559.jpg" width="31%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1397573606l/15803761.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1397573606l/15803761.jpg" width="31%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412343768l/16131526.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" height="379" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412343768l/16131526.jpg" width="31%" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/book-review-winners-curse-marie-rutkoski.html">The Winner's Curse</a> was always a book I was completely and utterly convinced I wouldn't love, but I never for one moment expected to find it so dry, so boring and so unappealing. Kestrel just - ugh, I really couldn't with that girl, did I read a different book to everyone else? The Immortal Rules really broke my heart when I didn't love it, it was just - meh. Nothing felt as amazing as I had expected, although I do have the sequels; guess who's going to be punishing herself soon.. And don't even get me started on The Infinite Sea, I'm genuinely convinced everybody who loved that book is crazy. WHAT EVEN IS THAT BOOK? Nothing happened. Nothing made sense. It was so damn boring. You can guarantee I'll end up reading The Last Star though. * le sigh*<br />
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2. A Book/Series Everyone Hates, But You Adore</h1>
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1385551813l/18668639.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" height="290" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1385551813l/18668639.jpg" width="23%" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_J6HMrSeX9eOnxXyoUgsYpuuY0G5rqzvNrVJ9HYCT1G-kvrS-CRlWtiEfPkYVrSf__gGlygelEDKFHq6VtvEYpvQNUR4d2sYxOouFfef7e9iaG76-vTmHv32fuzB6QeHUZiTThXjH1E/s1600/24700579.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_J6HMrSeX9eOnxXyoUgsYpuuY0G5rqzvNrVJ9HYCT1G-kvrS-CRlWtiEfPkYVrSf__gGlygelEDKFHq6VtvEYpvQNUR4d2sYxOouFfef7e9iaG76-vTmHv32fuzB6QeHUZiTThXjH1E/s1600/24700579.png" width="23%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1400692420l/20877428.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" height="290" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1400692420l/20877428.jpg" width="23%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421812112l/20613726.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" height="290" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421812112l/20613726.jpg" width="23%" /></a></center>
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Both Thirteen and Spiders are some super duper books and I haven't a clue how more people don't like it. Cults people, physco, unhinged, crazy cults with lots of action, lots of twists and development galore, come on guys, it's so goooood. Talking of great reads, I don't understand the hate for Riot and Bomb one iota. Sure, the writing is like marmite, but the actual plot and storylines, the emotions and the characters, they're <i>so good</i>, why you no like them? *cries* Made For You was complete unhinged craziness, and minus the whole 'knowing when people die' part, it's a really great mystery. Life Unaware has gotten a lot of stick lately because of it's bully bullied by another bully storyline, but you know what, it's a story with a great message, with a lot of development and some realistic emotions, sod the haters, I loved it.<br />
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Dare Me has to be one of the most twisted, complicated reads of 2014, but it's one I would willingly read over and over again. I can't believe, nor understand why it's not loved by more people, this book was amazing people, as is the same for Belzhar. Granted, I had a few squiffy issues with the whole Belzhar book and Jam's actual tragic event, but still, I cried, and that's something. Love and Other Unknown Variables was just - I can't comprehend. I balled my eyes out, my heart broke and I've loved little else as passionately as I do this book. People need to stop comparing every cancer story to John Green, he's not all that, and neither is TFiOS.<br />
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3. A Love Triangle Your Ship Lost or an OTP You Dislike</h1>
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1381459853l/18660669.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1381459853l/18660669.jpg" width="16.1%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1382924209l/8256764.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1382924209l/8256764.jpg" width="16.1%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1387682946l/8891878.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1387682946l/8891878.jpg" width="16.1%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1410757832l/8900186.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1410757832l/8900186.jpg" width="16.1%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1382945730l/8181181.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1382945730l/8181181.jpg" width="16.1%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1409606323l/9797582.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1409606323l/9797582.jpg" width="16.1%" /></a></center>
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I wouldn't mind, but when I first started Vampire Academy, I didn't mind the romance between Rose and Dimitri - can't say I saw it for the steamy and sexy passion it was meant to be, but it definitely wasn't the worst I'd read. Then, the series fell apart. It relied too much on your shipping the ship, feeling the feels and being on the 'Rose&Dimitri5EVA' train and was not on board. Then it got damn crazy and weird in Blood Promise.. Come Spirit Bound, I'd packed my bags and left the station, I just couldn't go on. Not only did I dislike their OTP, but Adrian was a darling too, and way too good for Rose. I tried Bloodlines, couldn't get through that either. Meh.<br />
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4. A Book Genre You Rarely Reach For</h1>
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1370018807l/16135109.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" height="237" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1370018807l/16135109.jpg" width="19%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388186881l/11235712.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388186881l/11235712.jpg" width="19%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337289697l/10756656.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337289697l/10756656.jpg" width="19%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1342798554l/15761655.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" height="237" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1342798554l/15761655.jpg" width="19%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340556675l/15720403.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" height="237" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340556675l/15720403.jpg" width="19%" /></a></center>
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I'm not a big sci-fi buff and I think it shows in the books I read. Its not that I'm not a fan - a lot of my experiences (minus The 5th Wave obviously) have been positive, I just don't think it's a genre I look at and think 'mm, yes please'. I do have a few sci-fi books I plan to read in the future, All Our Yesterdays, Mindwalker and Pivot Point's sequel Split Second, but generally, I'm a little unaware of what's out there. If you've got some super recommendations, do share them with me.<br />
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5. A Popular, Beloved Character You Don't Like</h1>
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1369501750l/9520360.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1369501750l/9520360.jpg" width="21.5%" /></a> <a href="http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/34100000/Percy-Jackson-Sea-of-Monsters-percy-jackson-and-the-olympians-34128907-500-210.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/34100000/Percy-Jackson-Sea-of-Monsters-percy-jackson-and-the-olympians-34128907-500-210.gif" width="74.5%" /></a></center>
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Put down those pitchforks people, I don't dislike Percy, I just don't overly like him, at least, not anymore, and it's all your fault. I was more than happy with Percy in The Olympians, I liked his voice and his personality, and granted, I got a little tired and bored of him in Heroes of Olympus, but I don't dislike him, I dislike how irritated people where that it wasn't 'The Percy Show' in HoO. God forbid Riordan focus on other, interesting and well formed, well developed and fantastic characters more than Percy, and Annabeth. God forbid he write work that doesn't revolve around the same character, over and over again. God forbid Percy not be the be all and end all. I don't dislike Percy, you just made me dislike his presence. I fear a cameo in Magnus Chase..<br />
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6. A Popular Author You Can't Get Into</h1>
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333628241l/11300302.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333628241l/11300302.jpg" width="31%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1362417606l/15755296.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" height="379" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1362417606l/15755296.jpg" width="31%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392304633l/20579287.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" height="379" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392304633l/20579287.jpg" width="31%" /></a><br />I doubt I'll ever read another Showalter book in my life. White Rabbit Chronicles has put me off for life.<br /><br />
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7. A Popular Trope You're Sick of Seeing</h1>
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1401051726l/21425501.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1401051726l/21425501.jpg" width="18%" /></a> <a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/citybuzz/2014/03/mount-pleasant-stereotypes/mount-pleasant-stereotypes-2.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/citybuzz/2014/03/mount-pleasant-stereotypes/mount-pleasant-stereotypes-2.gif" width="58%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404400277l/22633620.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404400277l/22633620.jpg" width="18%" /></a></center>
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Dude, even of having known each for a handful of days or weeks and just accept that you do not love him. You think he's attractive, or you think she's pretty fit, and her eyes are nice, or there's something alluring about him, but give over, love? Ha. Instalove is just a bad bad trope and it's shocking that it's still used. Of course you can like someone instantly, and authors have spent months, <i>years</i> with their characters, but we haven't, and it's bad form. Accept that in the long run of things, you probably just really like them, okay? Also, dragons.<br />
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8. A Popular Series You Have No Intention of Reading</h1>
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1433956544l/13541054.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" height="379" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1433956544l/13541054.jpg" width="31%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322103400l/10507293.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" height="379" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322103400l/10507293.jpg" width="31%" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1297199431l/8709527.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="nopin" height="379" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1297199431l/8709527.jpg" width="31%" /></a>
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I will eventually finish off reading The Infernal Devices and The Mortal Instruments, but after them, that's it. I wipe myself clean of Clare's writing forever, including The Dark Artifices. It's not that I'm feeling sorry for that poor cow she's milking dry (although there's that too) I just think I've probably grown out of her work now. The Selection was a series I spent too long wondering about, and I've been told it's romance heavy and dystopia lost, therefore no thank you. You already know why I won't be touching Bloodlines in the future, and it shouldn't surprise you.<br />
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9. What Movie/TV Show Do You Like More Than The Book?</h1>
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Excluding Mockingjay: Part 1 (which was a train-wreck of a film, ugh), I've enjoyed The Hunger Games on screen a lot more than I have the novels. There's nothing to say the novels aren't good, I quite enjoyed them too, and they progressively improved with every novel (unpopular opinion again), but the films, they were pretty darn amazing. I've watched Hunger Games/Catching Fire back-to-back and just thought 'wow, what a series', and I imagine Mockingjay: Part 2 with improve on Part 1. I'm definitely a fan.<br />
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Huge thanks to Charnell for tagging me to share my unruly opinions and break many peoples hearts for slamming their favourite books and characters, but if we all liked the same things, live would be pretty boring, am I right? In fact, I want to hear what Cait from <a href="http://paperfury.com/">Paper Fury</a>, Zoey from <a href="http://uncreativelyzoey.blogspot.co.uk/">Uncreatively Zoey</a>, Lisa and Becca from <a href="http://www.lostinlit.com/">Lost in Literature</a> and Nova from <a href="http://outoftimebookblog.blogspot.co.uk/">Out of Time</a>'s unpopular opinions too, so consider yourselves tagged ladies.<br /><br />
<center><h1>Tell Me: What's Book Do You Love Than Other's Hate?</h1></center>Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-55776605196567863592015-06-25T00:12:00.000+01:002015-06-25T00:12:03.276+01:00Revamp and Republish | Old Posts Shouldn't Be Forgotten<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMusHRwAny-gS838DHIPxX_N2iw0tN0wJZGbFjNU1CuZiBt_wLx3QsG5F1olrM_Q-XOxxV9KF5GOpqMJEk8al33pyaeZEkmnRo7MfHhG6c143obIP7WjLhoUrPA8NJU-B3dLSEZqzYaL7K/s1600/old+posts+forgotten.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMusHRwAny-gS838DHIPxX_N2iw0tN0wJZGbFjNU1CuZiBt_wLx3QsG5F1olrM_Q-XOxxV9KF5GOpqMJEk8al33pyaeZEkmnRo7MfHhG6c143obIP7WjLhoUrPA8NJU-B3dLSEZqzYaL7K/s1600/old+posts+forgotten.jpg" /></a></center>Recycling old content is frowned upon when it comes to blogging and it really shouldn't be. Why should we use time and effort putting together content that will probably get lost in our archives if we didn't stay on top of promoting them? It makes no sense, therefore recycling, or at the very least, adding to previously published content is a great way to draw attention to a topic that newer readers may have missed. Here's how.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Add updates to previous posts</h2>
You can almost guarantee that when a blog publishes a tutorial and it has an 'updated' section, they've updated the post and republished it as a fresh new piece of content, and guess what? It works. New readers and subscribers who may not have seen that content before get the juicy details other readers have before, as well as keeping your more loyal following in the loop with the newest information. If you're going to be revamping a post with new information, I would advise you make it one that's over 6 months old.<br />
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<h2>
Create a follow-up complimentary post</h2>
Written a post about a subject that you could expand on, or a post that you've had a change of heart about? Have you written something that you create a catch-up or update version with new information? Do it. I've done this many times with my Commitment to Series and my Series Relationship posts, recapping the last year and creating new challenges for myself when it comes to series. People like to know what you've been up to and it's always exciting for you to see how you've changed too.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Combine content into an ebook</h2>
If you've written a number of posts about a certain subject, or you have a blog series that's buried beneath new content, it's pretty easy to produce an ebook and combine these posts together into one easy to read format. You could make the book available for new subscribers, giving them a quick snap view of the type of content they can come to expect from you, while also getting use out of your older worthy content. You could also sell the book if you fancied making a few quick bucks.<br />
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<h2>
Switch up the format of your post</h2>
Got an old post that could be transferred into an infographic for easy sharing across Twitter and Pinterest? Switch it up. Got a post that you could vlog about instead? Switch it up. Got a post or tutorial you could turn into powerpoint slides? Do it. Keep content fresh and looking good is something all bloggers struggle with and strive to be better at - by switching up some older content and making it look brand new can give you a new lease of life, and if all goes well, it might inspire you do it again.<br />
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<h2>
Link up related posts below new content</h2>
Those widgets that appear below other peoples posts showing you similar content or posts you should check out. They not only help your bounce rate, but they can direct readers to older content too. Many people recommend using LinkWithin, and personally, I've never had much of a problem with it myself, although I do prefer to link up my own recommended posts similar by categories or type of post, or if it's reviews, by author or genre. Pointing out content that people will love is one of the easiest things to do, and once you've somebody clicking around, chances are, they'll explore your blog further.<br />
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<h2>
Link up content in your sidebar</h2>
I tend to focus on sharing the posts readers like most at Nellie and Co. but generally, you can link whatever takes your fancy in your sidebar and people will check it out. Want to get more attention to content you loved, or content that refers to subject that's 'big' in the news lately. Link it up. Want to show off posts your readers loved to draw new readers to? Link it up. Shake things up every now and then so your readers can constantly be impressed and surprised by the content you have, and make sure you have some graphics that help with linking up any content. Visuals gain more attention than simple words, make your content work for you.<br />
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<h2>
Share a round-up of related posts for specific audience</h2>
Have a collection of posts that would be perfect for new bloggers? Create on big post and share your links in a giant link-up. Same can be done for any content you have a think would not only be helpful for your readership, but positive for the content in itself. Something similar to my giant monthly link-ups I do with community content can be done easily for your own content. Take two or three times in the year to refer to older content of different subjects, for designers, for bloggers, for reviewers, for authors, for whoever your target audience is. People like things handed to them, give them what they want, and they'll lap it up.<br />
<br />
Stop letting your old content get lost in your archives, get creative and find ways to bring them out of the dark depths and into the light of your new readers and across the board of social networks. These examples are just the tip of the iceberg, so get thinking, there's bound to be many many more. <b>Do you revamp and recycle your content, and if so, how do you do it?</b><br />
<br />Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-20647551131733702032015-06-22T00:03:00.000+01:002015-06-25T00:12:24.781+01:00Amanda's Big Announcement - Nellie and Co.<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAESw4fZDMLVGn_QKyWShFEYsny2Ajpc5e-NEFYrHAiTAREAGzdOUPM-32WLmXhMfaDO0e6ZFIk-lSq6mq-iazojCQoFtnL66GCShfkTnR4XJrrwKwhQqN44sMRnCwKthrXrEb4ivTgx6/s1600/nel.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAESw4fZDMLVGn_QKyWShFEYsny2Ajpc5e-NEFYrHAiTAREAGzdOUPM-32WLmXhMfaDO0e6ZFIk-lSq6mq-iazojCQoFtnL66GCShfkTnR4XJrrwKwhQqN44sMRnCwKthrXrEb4ivTgx6/s1600/nel.jpg" /></a></center><br />
I've been co-blogging here with Stacie now for over 6 months, and wow, does that time seemed to have flown by. It feels like only a few weeks ago we made our beautiful blog public, and now look at us. Loyal following, pretty design, it's all really rather unbelievable.. but I have a confession to make to you all..<br />
<br />
<h4>
I'm leaving Beautiful Bookish Butterflies.</h4>
<br />
Hold up now. I don't want you to jumping to any conclusions, so sit down, stay calm, and I shall explain.<br />
<br />
It may or may not have been noticeable to you all, but Stacie and I have been struggling with a number of things in our lives, and those number of things have, in the past few months, affected how, when and why we blog. I cannot vouch for Stacie, but I know she's had it tough lately, which is why I, as co-blogger, stepped up to the plate and took hold for a while. Something changes when you go from a routine of co-blogging back to solo-blogging, even if it is for a short amount of time. You're ideas are the only ideas being published, your thoughts are the only ones out there, you're content is the content that gives your blog it's brand, and when you're actually meant to be a co-blog, that's not fair.<br />
<br /><a name='more'></a>
I know for a fact that over the last few months, I've influenced the type of posts and the content being published. There have been more discussions, and not all of them about books, and you've loved them, and I've loved writing them, but we've been slacking on reviews, on taking time to focus on books, and you've seen no problem with that, but we are Beautiful <b>Bookish</b> Butterflies, it <i>feels</i> wrong. I feels like I've been taking what was one blog and slowly turning it into another.<br />
<br />
<center><h4>
That's Where <a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/">Nellie and Co.</a> comes in.</h4>
<a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9jPaN1CdrYZaZRAedv9QWrHY9WxTMu5HXvdCrTHrUAs-yQl1X0_8zPvtS_7kSrLjhdm6MC9nvneJMpoU9pgCN61Yl6cPKSk1EnDMG5gTe3Od2GSVlafY-iIyQTvqQdu1T1qJKktFCZg/s1600/oie_transparent+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9jPaN1CdrYZaZRAedv9QWrHY9WxTMu5HXvdCrTHrUAs-yQl1X0_8zPvtS_7kSrLjhdm6MC9nvneJMpoU9pgCN61Yl6cPKSk1EnDMG5gTe3Od2GSVlafY-iIyQTvqQdu1T1qJKktFCZg/s1600/oie_transparent+%25282%2529.png" /></a></a></center>
When I haven't been holding the fort, I've been working on a secret project. I've been working on designing a new blog for myself. It's been horrible and I've felt like such a fraud, putting out new content for you all when I've been planning my future elsewhere, but the time has come for me to be honest with you all. <a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/">Nellie and Co.</a> will be my new home from the 1st July, and it would mean the world to me if you could join me on this new, scary, but exciting adventure.<br />
<h5>But what about Stacie?</h5><br />
Right now, Stacie still has a lot on her plate. The general thought process is that Stacie will continue to blog here, where she has a space she knows and understands and has loyal following that we've created together, with a brand she can work with. I'll always be around to offer a hand or some advice, and there's a good chance you'd still see a few guest posts from me in the future if she's ever feeling a bit of idea dry.<br />
<br />
My last official post will be our June Wrap-Up, where I will give more details on where and how you can follow me and keep up to date with me - after that point, it's all change change change, however, I will still be blogging here until then. It's been an absolutely fabulous 6 months of co-blogging, and I wouldn't change it for the world, but sometimes, life provides you with a different path, and you've just got to walk it. For the time being though, here are some important links and things you need to know:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>My Twitter handle will be changing from @BookBadger_ to @Nellieand_Co on 1st July</li>
<li>My Instagram handle will be changing from bookbadger_ to Nellieand_Co on 1st July</li>
<li>I will be emailing all Book Badger and BBB subscribers personally with links to subscribe to Nellie and Co. instead</li>
<li>You can visit Nellie and Co. now, but no new content will be published until 12th July</li>
<li>Any and all posts written by me will now link to identical posts on Nellie and Co.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<center><h4>What do you think of <a href="http://nellieandco.blogspot.co.uk/">Nellie and Co.</a>? Will you be following me there?</h4></center>
Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-13282045047844816222015-06-19T01:18:00.001+01:002015-06-19T01:18:21.507+01:00Book Review - Maxon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1405508784l/22732140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1405508784l/22732140.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>Maxon</b><br />
Author: Christina Bauer<br />
Series: Angelbound #5<br />
Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy | New Adult<br />
Release Date: 12th May 2015<br />
Publishers: Ink Monster LLC<br />
Source: Review Copy - Ink Monster LLC<br />
Rating: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><br />
<blockquote>
Prince Maxon may be twenty-two years old now, but he's still haunted by his boyhood abduction and torture in Hell. To deal with his past, Maxon limits his present-day activities to killing demons and seducing women. No long-term relationships. No combat too dangerous. No problem, right?
<br />
<br />
Wrong.
<br />
<br />
Maxon’s life has stalled out. The old thrills aren't there anymore, either on the battlefield or in the bedroom. While staking out his next fight, Maxon meets what seems like just another girl after a good time. What he gets is a close encounter with Lianna, a lady warrior with ties to the mysterious elemental rulers called the monarkki. It's love at first fight. Trouble is, Lianna's running from a dark history of her own, and her elemental enemies are closing in. When Lianna gets taken, Maxon realizes that after years of wrong choices and dead ends, the right woman is worth risking it all.</blockquote>
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Ugh, why wasn't this the amazing sequel and look into Maxon's life I was hoping for? I'm not sure if there was something about my expectations, or my slightly less impressed state with Armageddon, or that there was overall more character and development, plot and action issues, but this was not what I had in mind. Credit where credit is due, this is a really good sequel, and I'm still going to continue reading the instalments that follow, I'll just be sure to lower my expectations this time around.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>One of the features I think Bauer excelled in with this instalment was how she managed to expand an already vast world to include so many other new and interesting features that we had never expected. Her passion for writing jumps off the page, and how she creates these new species and characters, these new developments and other-worldy inclusions - I really enjoyed getting to know more about these features and other parts of the Angelbound world. Her writing was solid and it's clear to tell that Bauer has found comfort in her writing and is confident in the world she creates, and that's always a good thing. While lacking in some good world building that would have made this vaster world even more real and vivid in my mind, the actual execution was impressive and definitely made this instalment more interesting.<br />
<br />
Sadly, well Maxon had a pretty interesting and intriguing plot with - come to think of it - a lot of actual battle and action scenes, I struggled to find myself connecting to both Maxon and Lianna''s perspective. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the different writing style Bauer decided to use in Maxon, with dual perspectives and more daringly sexy and highly sensitive personal backgrounds, just feeling anything strong and passionate for those characters was asking a lot. After all, this is the only novel with these characters, unlike with Myla's story that featured over three novels. I cannot fault Bauer's talent though; the characters themselves, their personalities, their chemistry, their passion and their strength, not to mention the weaknesses and horrors they each went through - their confiding in each other and striking a common sense of balance between them both was really rather good. Exploring abuse and captivity is never usually explored in fantasy novels, just used, so it made a positive change to actually get inside the thoughts of victims of these horrors.<br />
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There were of course other features of Maxon that I really enjoyed:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The sexual tension was as always, absolutely brilliantly written</li>
<li>The romance itself was both sexy and adorable in all the right places</li>
<li>The unexpected ending was intriguing and well executed, I was impressed</li>
<li>The constant exploration of women's strength and capabilities still shines though the series</li>
<li>The ending that welcomes cameos and a new story arc for the next instalment was great</li>
<li>The introduction of new characters and use of older characters was balanced and exciting</li>
<li>The level of darkness, abuse, violence and horror stepped up to another level all together -</li>
<li>While the continued family aspects, loyal friendships and overbearing grandmothers was grand</li>
</ul>
<br />
I definitely feel as though I struggled most with my issues regarding the world building, as well as the character development feeling a little on the rushed side, but, I did enjoy what I read, and I would read it again and most likely enjoy it more if I were under less pressure to read it quickly for review. Angelbound is still, without a doubt, one of the most engaging series I've read, and I definitely have an undeniable soft spot for the series as it's one of the first I reviewed, so no matter where Bauer takes this series, I will more than likely be reading her work - as is clear with my excitement for Portia. Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-42897090306186976972015-06-18T11:54:00.000+01:002015-06-18T11:54:03.796+01:00Google Search Tools | How Find Time Restricted Tutorials<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoa-oOXU6L_1OolZDM96PHoD1wj9549Kg2Hio9jWN7qjEd5DXMSEE-bHrw1uQgrNTAyudbdtDEXcxNKcXL22lHATxxKF8R52knVb6okTpF-NhMODL6z2X_LyA26m_-qhNK6mTYEjgX8Mdr/s1600/time+restrictions.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoa-oOXU6L_1OolZDM96PHoD1wj9549Kg2Hio9jWN7qjEd5DXMSEE-bHrw1uQgrNTAyudbdtDEXcxNKcXL22lHATxxKF8R52knVb6okTpF-NhMODL6z2X_LyA26m_-qhNK6mTYEjgX8Mdr/s1600/time+restrictions.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
Whenever I'm searched for tutorials, one of the first things I check is the date in which the tutorial was posted. Nobody likes searching for answers only to find that, low and behold, these answers are years old, and you've wasted half an hour looking for something that's hidden amongst fossils. That's because Google finds webpages related to your search based on SEO, not by recent date or when it was published. Did you know that you can narrow your search down to a specified time period? Perfect if you're looking for a tutorial that isn't time friendly. Here's how.<br />
<br />
<h4>
When searching for anything in Google, you have Search Tools..</h4>
<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXUwcTmvUf6prT-Su6lCa9lBILLrj005XF2gYnNDPmU_1d36jhQ663hr9UV2UbVxtz0Eq8uNwqQ6WmZitj43rJu9emtJa1q-VCzipvAPHHPXqisAyemEzNm2YrRbuSSjjZPIDHCTS4rPH/s1600/search+tools.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXUwcTmvUf6prT-Su6lCa9lBILLrj005XF2gYnNDPmU_1d36jhQ663hr9UV2UbVxtz0Eq8uNwqQ6WmZitj43rJu9emtJa1q-VCzipvAPHHPXqisAyemEzNm2YrRbuSSjjZPIDHCTS4rPH/s1600/search+tools.png" /></a></center>
Search tools can be used to narrow any type of search down to a more specified search. As you can see, the current search results are ordered in terms of best match or most related to the subject you've searched, and that's great, but we want to specify a search time in order to find time restricted blog tutorials.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Click on 'Search Tools' and an extension will appear;</h4>
<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqg2aM2KSw4n5DjwO5VFUnGt13miJudNhQ9Z0_vW49xBcQx-934pS-QKnGJCVKg8-lpHL6z7xoWc5OTfEogfVXPS1qHxWp99vKY8p_HEJlcY7AuPNFpwhpIVgwj2WgmjZfxeYfMzZu0LoU/s1600/search+tools+options.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqg2aM2KSw4n5DjwO5VFUnGt13miJudNhQ9Z0_vW49xBcQx-934pS-QKnGJCVKg8-lpHL6z7xoWc5OTfEogfVXPS1qHxWp99vKY8p_HEJlcY7AuPNFpwhpIVgwj2WgmjZfxeYfMzZu0LoU/s1600/search+tools+options.png" /></a></center>
You now have different options to search either by country, which would order the search results in terms of country you specify, and by time, which is the option we're focusing on today.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Click on 'Any time' to be given more options like the following:</h4>
<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7-x3kcbozLjniXx0TLuk2Qv6oTh_tHBFdqQ332tApC7BmfJPnwca5NxhToK0VgOjoKEaaseNpMgiqoAXPI7gNAvIDOb7APmU_Ue0pUMFoSrhLNfXyENR6JY6gP8HQxPFCeYSh_kQuoJU/s1600/search+tools+time.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7-x3kcbozLjniXx0TLuk2Qv6oTh_tHBFdqQ332tApC7BmfJPnwca5NxhToK0VgOjoKEaaseNpMgiqoAXPI7gNAvIDOb7APmU_Ue0pUMFoSrhLNfXyENR6JY6gP8HQxPFCeYSh_kQuoJU/s1600/search+tools+time.png" /></a></center>
This is where Search Tools comes to life. You can now specify any time period you would like to search within. For blog tutorials, I usually use the 'Custom Range' feature which allows you to search within a period of time, for me, that's 6 months, and if that doesn't provide results I want, I search for within a year, in order to keep myself updated as close as possible. In this example, I've chosen 'Last Month'.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Click on a time period to search. Your search results will reorder.</h4>
<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsSF1EFC8vDL8nZvrysrYqshKHmySX515-BKuSE_hQN6uc6Nspt0YcjQGwjscKxEs2LaWy40_hTEC3Skrlyq9HftgfZCfhbAXTKjp3d_mX6d6hMGas_KGgDA5RivpEm9J-9dadGl_UFqA/s1600/search+tools+month.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsSF1EFC8vDL8nZvrysrYqshKHmySX515-BKuSE_hQN6uc6Nspt0YcjQGwjscKxEs2LaWy40_hTEC3Skrlyq9HftgfZCfhbAXTKjp3d_mX6d6hMGas_KGgDA5RivpEm9J-9dadGl_UFqA/s1600/search+tools+month.png" /></a></center>
See how the posts have changed now you've searched within a time period? You can still change how the results are shown by choosing by relevance or date, however, I usually stick with relevance. With the internet and everything on it changing by the day, it's sometimes hard to find tutorials that are up to date, recent and actually related to what it is your searching, and this is the best way I've found to locate time restricted articles. The Search Tool's feature can be used for almost anything - it's worth taking a look and seeing it if can benefit you.<br />
<br />
<center>
<h3>
Did you know about Google Search Tools and it's features?</h3>
</center>
Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-55014547967836847272015-06-16T02:01:00.000+01:002015-06-16T02:01:40.264+01:00Film Review - Jurassic World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEITF508wXApq3fTbiLdfVze4TFTlqONhdobeHZA7M5IlU1h98cmYo4RX0YMNXSVAYNIjYIAhhSi_heLqbqbcfvSisGUE9_Ika0lDwhWqgBFyDT5QNNwHZ8arZwWXTBAqY5pMRRh7aJZn/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEITF508wXApq3fTbiLdfVze4TFTlqONhdobeHZA7M5IlU1h98cmYo4RX0YMNXSVAYNIjYIAhhSi_heLqbqbcfvSisGUE9_Ika0lDwhWqgBFyDT5QNNwHZ8arZwWXTBAqY5pMRRh7aJZn/s320/download.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<b>Jurassic World</b><br />
Director: Colin Trevorrow<br />
Genres: Action, Adventure | Children, Young Adult<br />
Duration: 2hr 4m<br />
Release Date: 11th June 2015<br />
IMDB Rating:<i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><br />
Rating: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-half-o"></i><br />
<blockquote>
Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond.<br />
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After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to re-spark visitor's interest, which ends up, backfiring horribly.</blockquote>
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Jurassic World. Wow. Let's just say, from a pretty much Jurassic virgin, I was damn impressed, enthralled, excited and definitely eager to actually sit down and watch the previous instalments in the series properly, rather than just an hour here and there. If you're looking for a film that gets your heart racing, surprises you and entertains you for almost two hours, Jurassic World does it, it's just.. not quite perfect.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Cast wise, I don't think you could have chosen a better cast. Of course, people will have their issues, but me, I'm a HUGE fan of Chris Pratt. What do you mean I had only watched the Lego Movie previous to JW, it still counts.. right? Still, Pratt excelled in bringing Owen's character to life - down-to-earth and realistic, flirty and pretty practical, and not afraid of being made speechless, and alongside Bryce Dallas Howard, his character was fantastic. Although, sadly, Owen's charcater felt like the only one with any real history or background or any substance. Beth's character felt two dimensional and scripted, while any other characters just didn't hit any notes with me personally, other than Larry, but everybody loves a nerdy, clumsy and pretty darn daft guy, right? I think the main problem with Jurassic World and it's character's was that they weren't the focal point of this film. Throughout, the special treatment and focus was on the dinosaurs, and granted, dinosaurs are pretty cool, they just don't have personalities, they have hierarchies. Not so good when you're looking to invest emotional feelings in a film.<br />
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Er, while we're talking slightly negatively, lets get the biggest issue out of the way pretty pronto. Where those snippets of the previous films I've watched, I think, got the dinosaurs spot on when it comes to affects, JW just seemed to take the concept and take it a little <i>too</i> far. I won't deny it, the affects are brilliant, they really showcase just how much can be done, but when the lighter scenes of the film came around, you can see just how much of the special affects budget they blew on being 'showy'. However, when the darker, more eerie, gloomier and more tense scenes came around, there seemed to me to be the perfect level of affects. Sadly, the huge contrasts in scenes, form brightness to almost complete darkness just goes to show how much the budget they spent on affects - if they'd took more time to make the affects feel and look more natural, we may have had a little more light in those pretty damn dim scenes. A tad too showy, but still, I admit to being easily pleased.<br />
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Another slightly iffy issue I had with Jurassic World was how easily and smoothly the action appeared and disappeared, which is both a positive, a negative. Of course, the fact that the action was as good as it was was brilliant, it just made the viewing experience all the more exciting, but the fact that it looped high and dropped again, it just didn't really keep up the constant feel of suspense. Unlike the previous instalments and the parts I'd seen, Jurassic World in comparison felt more like Jurassic's younger sister that believes it's better and deserves more - scream if you want to be heard almost. You can have great cinema experiences without hords of screaming people, or scenes so busy and so messy that you can guarantee that the main characters will be able to have a moment to look over the carnage in front of them, or have a quick smooch amid the chaos, and while fun to watch, it's not always a good thing. Let me not deny that the cinema experience was really rather great, and from someone who doesn't go the cinema anywhere near enough to please me, it's good too.<br />
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Yes, the plot is a little messy. It's predictable in it's romance between unlikely Own and Beth, the typical 'parents aren't around' trope, which is usually seen in young adult, reared it's head once more, the big bad villian who just wants to be practical and actually make the most of violence is of course, a right twonk, and there's a very <i>very</i> intense final battle, and I can't take anything away from that. Jurassic World is exactly as the trailer promised. Action filled, intense and dark - and the actual world part, lets just say it's probably very unrealistic to be able to travel miles upon miles extremely quickly hen you've got dinosaurs a roaming. Be practical people.<br />
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I couldn't exactly turn around and say that Jurassic is a character orientated film, nor an action film, or science fiction if I'm honest, although it does try it's hand at being comedy-like, which doesn't really succeed. It feels too realistic to be science fiction - at least, along the genetics and being able to create dinosaurs from found genes, and I don't think I knew enough about the characters to really care if any of them had died. It's closer to an action film that any, but even then, the action is huge when on scream, and forgotten easily when it isn't. You have to award points to JW for how it's easily a great sequel to previous instalments, but doesn't rely on you having needed to watch previous releases, although it has given me the boost I wanted to actually seek out the previous three, and overall, it's a great film. I enjoyed it. I was entertained. I was impressed. For all the reasons you go the cinema, it succeeded. It's got it's issues, and it's messages about captivity and using animals, no matter what kind, as puppets, is wrong, and that respect, loyalty and relationships are your winners, but hey, I went to watch dinosaurs, and I got me some dinosaurs. Job well done, right?Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-70374262786316724242015-06-15T00:29:00.000+01:002015-06-15T00:30:56.771+01:00Hide and Seek My Pretties | Find Me Book Tag<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05x1DJ59vtZyRxowXfsJEioaNQ_Nh4cJrwQ-Tav6FLZw3BI3Q53TyA-apueF5qlHxEgQGRr07D1u5y3wdCvD8VZwPD4ZO_72BhoKzOGzZEEAFSdpMkhsZ7u3gt90lIwjK3NtoRLbpnJ1-/s1600/find+me.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05x1DJ59vtZyRxowXfsJEioaNQ_Nh4cJrwQ-Tav6FLZw3BI3Q53TyA-apueF5qlHxEgQGRr07D1u5y3wdCvD8VZwPD4ZO_72BhoKzOGzZEEAFSdpMkhsZ7u3gt90lIwjK3NtoRLbpnJ1-/s1600/find+me.png" /></a></center>
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Okay okay, you caught me. I was never ever <i>ever</i> tagged for this tag and damn, I was disappointed about it. I've missed taking beautiful images of my beautiful books and now I'm getting back on my reading bandwagon, I'm back on the 'take photos of all my pretty books' bandwagon too. I just could not resist taking part in it myself. Here's my.. adequate, photography skills.<br />
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<h3>
A Book With Sunset</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUuL1epV1FCVjRkHgv-yDRWR4siQq4YrVafjY6zOGkK74RKS9bZknJZde1y4crUzTdt24ZU9Jm7e9gQLCRIEzFEjg6N0A3dMCEEikmuz4XOLE8TFJDnltd8n7EFNZDPxWYxH64m8IGrUT/s1600/bynmm.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUuL1epV1FCVjRkHgv-yDRWR4siQq4YrVafjY6zOGkK74RKS9bZknJZde1y4crUzTdt24ZU9Jm7e9gQLCRIEzFEjg6N0A3dMCEEikmuz4XOLE8TFJDnltd8n7EFNZDPxWYxH64m8IGrUT/s1600/bynmm.png" /></a></center>
I'm confident enough that Because You'll Never Meet Me is a sunset and not sunrise, because if it were sunrise, would you see the blue of the sky? Who knows, but this cover is so damn pretty. <i>I still need to read this, although I plan on it this week and I'm still wary as hell about the weird ending</i>, however, pretty cover is pretty and I'm glad I own it.<br />
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<h3>
A Book With Water</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_3Jebl4EwgiC9Zn4E9piff7NMOXkrOQ1CXaRmK-jnq_9vs74HclE8BoqytfGr6PdP6tMyC9_0ZpapUkL-vsgg8WSwbYwzC6EW7xC2fz7Z0AP1KMuaWJBibn4Rj6JhvN3PM5wMbZBqn9c/s1600/20150614_175024.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_3Jebl4EwgiC9Zn4E9piff7NMOXkrOQ1CXaRmK-jnq_9vs74HclE8BoqytfGr6PdP6tMyC9_0ZpapUkL-vsgg8WSwbYwzC6EW7xC2fz7Z0AP1KMuaWJBibn4Rj6JhvN3PM5wMbZBqn9c/s1600/20150614_175024.png" /></a></center>
I was so tempted to go with <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18844839-the-deep-end-of-the-sea">The Deep End of the Sea</a> because man, that cover is so haunting and blue and water-filled and I'm excited to read it and just - but no, I went with Wake because I still need to start this series. Also, I am wary because bad reviews, so, should I take a shot, or let it swim away? You decide, tell me now people.<br />
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<h3>
A Book With A Flower</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5QD6JgoZmtTBPl3BylQnVoFg-pXaCHGfGZ5MJJ34awFPf7XbwiM0d6rbQFfYl7aJzUK7SA08rMZtnvHTfdUmSQQ4JWCPC65hdNfqUQ-05MVdYaTrELqbu36nr051NmYQpeSk5QKE4i0i/s1600/jl.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5QD6JgoZmtTBPl3BylQnVoFg-pXaCHGfGZ5MJJ34awFPf7XbwiM0d6rbQFfYl7aJzUK7SA08rMZtnvHTfdUmSQQ4JWCPC65hdNfqUQ-05MVdYaTrELqbu36nr051NmYQpeSk5QKE4i0i/s1600/jl.png" /></a></center>
No no, you don't understand. I meant to read this last summer. Now look at me. Still unread. WHY? I promise Dessen, I shall read you this summer. I loved This Lullaby, all of the feels, so I expect great things from Just Listen since it's loved by others more, I just need to actually sit and read you. I had <i>so many</i> other flower options, but this just said CHOOSE ME, so I did.<br />
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<h3>
A Book With A Heart</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpxwy8zxaJtOS5Fe9wzZDu1zcu2TiumqqfEFSRnvrxuu6lKh6FtejLCrcxEbqEqN7TR0C2S2_CfijtaygtcYUOTZkcwor-PWfA8wCjBjRXzgUZ5vq86xInhGcew34YWV8-65CY-pM5vEA/s1600/fab.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpxwy8zxaJtOS5Fe9wzZDu1zcu2TiumqqfEFSRnvrxuu6lKh6FtejLCrcxEbqEqN7TR0C2S2_CfijtaygtcYUOTZkcwor-PWfA8wCjBjRXzgUZ5vq86xInhGcew34YWV8-65CY-pM5vEA/s1600/fab.png" /></a></center>
Aha! None of this soppy show of romance from me, oh no. Flesh and Blood was gore and horrible and gruesome and grotesque and creepy and kept me up at night and made me feel all wibbly and horrified. Granted, young narrator, but still, mad doctors and crazy surgeries and just horror filled fabulousness. You seriously need to make time for this book, go buy it now --> <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Flesh-Blood-Red-Simon-Cheshire/dp/1847154565/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434323118&sr=1-2&keywords=flesh+and+blood">QUICK!</a><br />
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<h3>
A Book With 'Gone' In The Title</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0VfR2sAIBPumig4SAsqYX2gvSXJZdpio_UkxmPNP41Eq-yDTUSGi-NAJK8ht6mvVHG6M3La7Se4hkjb2M-04SUADsvCXATBJPuFnjJlIs_tojXulpV4eXh0_TKdwApmJ2gnc25bpuFYi/s1600/gg.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0VfR2sAIBPumig4SAsqYX2gvSXJZdpio_UkxmPNP41Eq-yDTUSGi-NAJK8ht6mvVHG6M3La7Se4hkjb2M-04SUADsvCXATBJPuFnjJlIs_tojXulpV4eXh0_TKdwApmJ2gnc25bpuFYi/s1600/gg.png" /></a></center>
I confess, I picked this up during the film's release hype. Then I kept it thinking I'd read it. Now I sit and wonder if I ever will. Not that it doesn't interest me, I'm just, no motivated when I have other great reads. Also, why aren't there more 'Gone' books?<br />
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<h3>
A Book With A Weapon</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc15dbhFmiz8kxT54b_AIT7CpSo5L5KGidKp9WImzRlDrCktymMyZyM2eMSrrnHTOws4qX8HFUJZXJ9f0wbN1KbkWAcSFMWEDPLdfRz0sqC_nabFFeVlBD8xcva2dUjn3I99h7KmX8nHVf/s1600/np.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc15dbhFmiz8kxT54b_AIT7CpSo5L5KGidKp9WImzRlDrCktymMyZyM2eMSrrnHTOws4qX8HFUJZXJ9f0wbN1KbkWAcSFMWEDPLdfRz0sqC_nabFFeVlBD8xcva2dUjn3I99h7KmX8nHVf/s1600/np.png" /></a></center>
Oooo, one of my many books that I own that other people have never heard of, yay! Nobody's Princess is all mythology and Helen of Tory and a badass, clever, intelligent and beautiful woman getting what she wants out of life. Yeah, I haven't read it yet, but I just <i>know</i>, okay? I'm really excited to check out this womans work and see a before of Helen and Paris story. <i>Why is still unread?</i><br />
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<h3>
A Book With A Moon</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukYSADIG2ceMH3C4pANar0r_0G9jrZSss-qFfGbUK4gsa9qBbtjM8Qlmanr4slg23DVb_uK3lAB3gCrEs0RXqEmy3VzpDOqkcaZfKIq7o0UtTjxMXbwSals783EQqamXKyDX1Ou3mJovX/s1600/f.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukYSADIG2ceMH3C4pANar0r_0G9jrZSss-qFfGbUK4gsa9qBbtjM8Qlmanr4slg23DVb_uK3lAB3gCrEs0RXqEmy3VzpDOqkcaZfKIq7o0UtTjxMXbwSals783EQqamXKyDX1Ou3mJovX/s1600/f.png" /></a></center>
Okay. So, I cheated. Sorry, but the only books that had anything that look liked a moon where Born Wicked (in which my Mother thought it was more sun, less moon), Night Circus (which had a crescent moon on it's spine, which was good, but not quite good enough), so I went straight to Fairest, aka TAKES PLACE ON THE MOON PEOPLE. Have I won? Did I do good?<br />
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<h3>
A Book With A Girl In a White Dress</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSaaIFQT605EC2su4NnDVHD9uFmio-f0KhcJjFovHdoBLQFymFvubgvmeV4hOyIqG1suUnns4-RI6Ou6W22PS53JOAyJnBtR144E51AXQY8rk_qSaI14HXoc-0sfjN9QoAgrMEUy6zY4N/s1600/tp.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSaaIFQT605EC2su4NnDVHD9uFmio-f0KhcJjFovHdoBLQFymFvubgvmeV4hOyIqG1suUnns4-RI6Ou6W22PS53JOAyJnBtR144E51AXQY8rk_qSaI14HXoc-0sfjN9QoAgrMEUy6zY4N/s1600/tp.png" /></a></center>
No seriously, my first thought for this prompt was Heavenly Fire, but low and behold, it is the only Mortal Instrument novel I don't own, (although I wouldn't call this a problem, I've sort of, gone off the whole Shadowhunter thing, except for Dominic Sherwood, I like me some of him) so I searched and searched and <i>searched</i> my shelves and found The Pledge. Not sure if it's a dress, but it's flowy and white and therefore now a dress, okay? Good.<br />
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<h3>
A Book With A Couple Kissing</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCW8p3Q5atYIG1w1_PUFn2Djs_K1HIKnBTnyQ5Q9D30_GEkFbqF3KC7-52BH_4QO6ykrhhv3uS-nPcCKwpDQojdoJXlnJZiKta2bm4thrPkQS1fASprJ7EkmI_H_FVP1gS8_ELNJmOrN5T/s1600/dyt.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCW8p3Q5atYIG1w1_PUFn2Djs_K1HIKnBTnyQ5Q9D30_GEkFbqF3KC7-52BH_4QO6ykrhhv3uS-nPcCKwpDQojdoJXlnJZiKta2bm4thrPkQS1fASprJ7EkmI_H_FVP1gS8_ELNJmOrN5T/s1600/dyt.png" /></a></center>
I remember getting this book off Charnell when I was really rather ill and squiffy, as I thought it would motivate me to read Pushing the Limits. Alas, both sit on my shelves, unread and unloved. I will work on this people, I promise, I'm just picky with my New Adult reads, and these seem.. predictably meh. Still, I shall try them. At some point..<br />
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<h3>
A Book With Headphones</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0uCBOOZeMM4PncfGVao93xu0TuBmG64jZhzsFak1JirGckqUPWRU7l9N8yTWTgNY2xi6gSvj_KCY6_TQNRZRuV0JE4S50JuOObEXawcn1A3ILyGKOa3t6ZXcZ_eYGDmfJcCEbG6awZ0m/s1600/tswsyl.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0uCBOOZeMM4PncfGVao93xu0TuBmG64jZhzsFak1JirGckqUPWRU7l9N8yTWTgNY2xi6gSvj_KCY6_TQNRZRuV0JE4S50JuOObEXawcn1A3ILyGKOa3t6ZXcZ_eYGDmfJcCEbG6awZ0m/s1600/tswsyl.png" /></a></center>
Do you understand just how many people have chosen This Song Will Save Your Live for this prompt? NEAR ENOUGH EVERYONE. I tried people, I really did. Nada. Nothing. Nil. I had no other books with headphones. <i>How is this not a trend yet?</i> So disappointed in myself.. *sulks in corner* I shall try and acquire more headphone books, okay?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">BONUS ROUND!</span><br />
There is no way I could do this tag and not add some incentive for you to do it. Have four more pretties!</center>
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<h3>
A Book With Wings</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBxR0vUaCVzHLGMb_5NMvaRuy6GlLy2dzg01N4xXZOoLWU-t_dB89W8tKMZiP0KoupaJjzDKntrEbT64oqHjvt7FwEWukVNjsDc6C8G3YU9cHraFVUwR05iND5jU3-b7qPkfJtDttbp8Y/s1600/a.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBxR0vUaCVzHLGMb_5NMvaRuy6GlLy2dzg01N4xXZOoLWU-t_dB89W8tKMZiP0KoupaJjzDKntrEbT64oqHjvt7FwEWukVNjsDc6C8G3YU9cHraFVUwR05iND5jU3-b7qPkfJtDttbp8Y/s1600/a.png" /></a></center>
Oooo, wings are an old trend on book covers until Angelfall brought it back into business. I confess, I liked Angelfall, but World After was baaaaaad in comparison. WHERE WAS RAFFE?! Okay, I talked about this <i>calmly and professionally</i> in my review (ha!) but still, it was an issue. I'm left unsure when I'll read End of Days. *sigh*<br />
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<h3>
A Book With A Book</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LAljtax8HkLiPIxQKsj_3eZIPwCbFr6wZm_0XJkJSk2TOwFz6C_cVOTV_lrrAad_FA-i8Es1DxwQGs8WvryIa9Pggic5jK4oiufPvNrSKfsURzZceOBYWlyEFK8aC0EGKkdkgFRJQ6MT/s1600/ng.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LAljtax8HkLiPIxQKsj_3eZIPwCbFr6wZm_0XJkJSk2TOwFz6C_cVOTV_lrrAad_FA-i8Es1DxwQGs8WvryIa9Pggic5jK4oiufPvNrSKfsURzZceOBYWlyEFK8aC0EGKkdkgFRJQ6MT/s1600/ng.png" /></a></center>
Now I tried to read New Girl a while ago (last year, shh..) and we didn't hit it off. Neither did Harbison and I with Anything To Have You, and yet, I still have it and want to give her many chances. WHY AMANDA, WHY? Hey, we all have that annoying monster that tells us we will one day get along. This is that monster.<br />
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<h3>
A Book With A Door</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQayBYkUGvvDeYCDMz7u6xaXhxpTCSTp-RMGmPgv2kdHpNS9Hk0OkVc6Uu54Obm5ELktlKUFgKxYqa1_pJaUZUrDlTrYVqmu2NZeDh1SjOZYv7Nbe1OPAnU3QfXR7yFqbT-z3-xczukSB/s1600/dosab.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQayBYkUGvvDeYCDMz7u6xaXhxpTCSTp-RMGmPgv2kdHpNS9Hk0OkVc6Uu54Obm5ELktlKUFgKxYqa1_pJaUZUrDlTrYVqmu2NZeDh1SjOZYv7Nbe1OPAnU3QfXR7yFqbT-z3-xczukSB/s1600/dosab.png" /></a></center>
Don't shout at me, but.. <i>I still haven't read this book and I've had it since Christmas</i>. *pats self down* I'm still alive, yay! No seriously, I read Taylor's story in My True Love Gave To Me and - what even was that story? I have no idea. I don't understand. Is all her work like that? If so, I'm not sure I want a piece of it. I like my books to be book like, not alphabet soup. Will this book make sense? *hides*<br />
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<h3>
A Book With An Eye</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3l1O508dvpftNS7XoVWAAqiNAtccgCfA1llltlop96tL6FKQlDVYjz725rzx_Dhu1ubaZik7vvlnZe2d62WMgzpEAmgJHFZ-SbmiiQX-mb2GhnuhR-ImpCuA860TE_S17LttEwXFOH_d/s1600/p.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3l1O508dvpftNS7XoVWAAqiNAtccgCfA1llltlop96tL6FKQlDVYjz725rzx_Dhu1ubaZik7vvlnZe2d62WMgzpEAmgJHFZ-SbmiiQX-mb2GhnuhR-ImpCuA860TE_S17LttEwXFOH_d/s1600/p.png" /></a></center>
<i>I see you</i>.. My wonderful, amazing, super duper co-blogger bought me this for Christmas aaaaaaaaand I still haven't read it. <i>Sorry Stacie</i>.. I plan on it though. Soon. It sounds fabulous, looks fabulous, has fabulous reviews, it's obviously going to be fabulous, right? God, who even knows, but I'm excited for it. I trust I will be a black sheep with Carter's work, I hope I am anyway.<br />
<br />
<center>
<h4>
I tag..</h4>
Zoey at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/uncreativelyzoey.blogspot.co.uk">Uncreatively Zoey</a><br />Lisa at <a href="http://www.lostinlit.com/">Lost in Literature</a><br />
Jess @ <a href="http://www.myreadingdress.com/">My Reading Dress</a><br />
..and YOU!</center>
<br />Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-16090953946867432842015-06-12T00:31:00.000+01:002015-06-12T00:31:24.431+01:00Book Review - The Traitor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>The Traitor</b><br />
Author: Allen Zadoff<br />
Series: Unknown Assassin #3<br />
Genres: Mystery, Thriller | Young Adult<br />
Release Date: 12th June 2015<br />
Publisher: Orchard Books<br />
Source: Review Copy - Orchard Books<br />
Rating: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><br />
<blockquote>
The Program has sent Boy Nobody on countless missions, instructed to kill whichever target he was given. But now, after going rogue, he is on his own mission to rescue his friend Howard who was captured by The Program.<br />
<br />
Boy Nobody manages to free Howard as well as Tanya, a mysterious girl who was being held with him. Howard and Tanya help Boy Nobody collect information about his father, eventually revealing a dangerous secret that teaches Boy Nobody a valuable lesson..<br />
<br />
..he can't trust anyone.</blockquote>
<br />
I hate saying goodbye to any series I've had strong feelings for at the best of times, but saying goodbye to Unknown Assassin is definitely up there in 'most saddening au revoirs' ever. I will never forget just how much The Hit blew me away and surprised the heck out of me, and I definitely can't get how awesome The Mission was out of my mind, and yet I feel as though The Traitor just trumped both these previous instalments by a mile. The long year wait was hard, counting down the days was painful, but I'm pleased to say, The Traitor was a roller-coaster ride of adrenaline-fuelled perfection.<br />
<br />
Zadoff has this extremely brilliant way of writing that, no matter how long it's been since reading previous novels, you can't help but fall right back into the world of The Program and Zach, into the mind and feelings that a young boy assassin would have, and it's superb. I felt like I'd never been away from this series. After the horrendously unacceptable cliff-hanger in The Mission, I admit to being a little surprised at how easily the tables were turned when it came to addressing that cliff-hanger, but my surprise didn't affect any of my enjoyment whatsoever, it heightened it, which I never thought was possible. I've fallen head over heels for this world of assassins, or danger and action, of explosions, car chases, questionable motives, untrustworthy characters, twists and turns at ever corner, and you'd think I'd come to expect these great things from Zadoff, but alas, he continues to excel, and I'm seriously not complaining.<br />
<br />
The characters and hidden motives and aspects of loyalty, friendship, family were all intensely strong in this instalment - not that they weren't already, but seeing just how far Zach has come, from pure detachment in The Hit, to a group of people he would lay down his life for, people he would fight to the very end for, it's really rather wonderful to see the development through his actions, his emotions and his thoughts. It's been a slow development, and a realistic one at that - it would be unusual to see an assassin got from murder to being best buddies, but the pacing and the experience's Zach has been through with both his missions, the program and the friendships he's made along the way, it's helped create a character I couldn't love more.<br />
<br />
The banter and humour in this series though, it helps strike the perfect balance within the dark, dangerous, slinky spy work, and the light-hearted angle of friendships and love. Seeing Zach interact once again with Howard was beautiful, really, it made me face, and heart, light up - watching their relationship, their never wavering loyalty, their support for one another, the advice they gave each other, the real sense of brotherly love between them, it was struck wonderfully with the joking scenes they shared, and yet the best banter came from the romance between Zach and Tanya. That girl can put a knife up my back any time - she was strong and willful, wise and intelligent, independent, creative and totally badass - the perfect addition to a fantastic double act, creating, without a doubt, one of my favourite trios to date. Zach and Tanya's banter and jokes, the emotional rollercoaster of doubt, trust, loyalty, lies and hidden agenda's that came between them, and the honest and realistic emotions that bloomed was really rather good. For a man that writes superb mystery novels, Zadoff sure can right a romance I can get behind. I'm impressed.<br />
<br />
The Traitor, while really focusing and hammering home the characters, the development, the friendships and the romance, never once forgot about it's speedy styled plot, it's fantastic and amazingly well paced feel, and the variety of scenes, delicate or dark, twisted and horrifying - his simple yet completely immersive writing compliments the quick taste of action and defiance, of deceit and entertainment that this series gives, it's physically impossible for me to fault it. Getting much needed answers to questions that haunted this series though, that was one of the stand-out features behind the The Traitor and boy oh boy did I get what I wanted. Zadoff knocked every twist out of the park each and every time, and just when I thought it couldn't get any more amazing, it did. Taking steps back into the past in order to revisit and close up loose ends, finding out more about important characters just at the right time, being reminded of just how realistic this novel is, and how scarily real the events in this novel could be true, I confess, I almost want them to be.<br />
<br />
I'm always in awe of Zadoff, and I'm sure I always will be. The series has been one of the most action-packed, exciting, plot-filled, character driven, intense and completely mesmorising I've ever read. It wowed me, enthralled me, and captured my heart. I'll be sad to see this series end - saying goodbye to characters I've connected so easily with, turning my back on a plot unrivalled in this genre, and to a series that I never expected to fall so madly in love with before, but it's definitely not the end. This is a series I will without a doubt read again some day, and Zadoff is an author I can guarantee I'll be reading more from. Let us pray the wait isn't too long.Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-49217473271969741742015-06-10T02:52:00.000+01:002015-06-10T02:52:28.755+01:00Book Review: One Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>One Night</b><br />
Author: A.J. Pine<br />
Series: Only You #1<br />
Genres: Contemporary | New Adult<br />
Release Date: 21st April 2015<br />
Publisher: Intermix<br />
Source: Review Copy - A.J. Pine<br />
Rating: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><br />
<blockquote>
Twenty-one-year-old Jess used to have everything - a loyal best friend, a boyfriend she loved, and a future that was right on track. But in a single night, her whole world changed.
<br />
<br />
Now, Jess lives for the impersonal connection of drunken hook-ups and to-go coffee cups in the morning. All she needs is one night to pretend everything is fine.. until she meets Adam.
<br />
<br />
Thanks to a sports injury, gorgeous, charming basketball star Adam Carson is stuck in physical therapy at the hospital where Jess interns - giving her the perfect opportunity to see his sweet, considerate nature and making her realize that maybe she does want something more.
<br />
<br />
But while Adam might be the best thing that's happened to Jess in a long time, letting him past her carefully constructed walls means letting him know what happened.. and why he'd never want her for more than one night.</blockquote>
The moment I found out Pine had another book set for release, I halted everything I was doing and rushed to find out more about it. That's one of the most wonderful things about having an author that you love, especially when you're almost completely certain that everything they write will please you. One Night, much like If Only and What If, isn't doesn't differ much from other New Adult novels in the genre, but there's something about Pine's characters and writing, I just can't get enough of it. One Night is special, and utterly broke my heart.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>
I expected great things from Pine in this newest novel - I've watched her grow and develop and seen how her work has improved with every book she publishes, I've seen how much her work means to her, and how much research she puts into every issue she covers, and that's what makes her work special, because it's from the heart, and it feels real in every sense of the word, and it always makes me feel a lot of different and conflicting feelings. Let's face it, that's life. Pine's writing was crisp and clear and clean, there was no little mistakes or issues I had with the flow where I may have had them previously, One Night was just a beautifully written, heartbreaking story that I found pieces of myself in, and that's why I come to back to her work, again and again.<br />
<br />
Jess and Adam where definitely not my favourite couple I've had the pleasure of meeting through Pine, but they were the couple with the most sexual tension, adorableness and baggage. Everyone has baggage, whether it be awkward ex's, pushy parents, health scares, they're all part of life, and I love how Pine didn't think twice about delving into the darker parts of these issues, through Jess and Adam. She spotlighted the dramatic implications of life in sports, on the pain and recovery process after injuries, on the affect it has on somebody physically, emotionally and mentally. She spotlighted how deep, dark holes of depression can push people into making irrational decisions, life changing decisions, how these decisions can affect every inch of your life - Pine just never holds back, and I'm every so thankful. How Adam worked through his own personal demons, his own issues, alongside Jess', put never putting any pressure on her throughout his own development, it's one of the reasons I love the male character's Pine creates. They have feelings. They struggle to express their emotions. They can irritated by mixed signals. They stick around and support whether or not their female counterparts are open to conversation. Her male character's feel realistic, well formed and it's absolutely amazing. No assholes over here people.<br />
<br />
Jess' baggage, well, it was a lot more relatable and personal than I had ever expected it to be, and more fool me for underestimating Pine's talent. Jess' own demons, her past and her struggle with commitment, her fear of the future and thinking too far ahead, her self-hatred and self-loathing, her inner pain and heartache every day, I really felt it. There were times I questioned whether I was reading about Jess or myself, her pain and her fears and her struggles where so tangible, so realistic, so alike those I've been through, it's hard not to relate to her. He development though, was beautiful. Watching her learn from mistakes, seeing her interact with people she cared about and opening herself up to family and friends, to support and care and love, it was bitter-sweet and really rather wonderful. Her friendship with Zoe that blossomed and grew throughout the novel was complete perfection - it was messy and complicated and Zoe's attitude and snark pushed Jess where she needed be, and Jess' relationship with Tracy and the hidden support and care she gave Jess was also really wonderful, as was actually seeing Jess and Adam doing something with their lives.<br />
<br />
Yes, the romance was a little messy and unnecessarily complicated at times, as was the plot and the pacing, but the actual story-lines and the emotions I felt, both myself and between all the characters, I felt them all and it brought this story to life. The friendships, the work relationships, the small minor characters that played huge parts in both characters development, the tension and the passion, and the heartbreak and relatabilty of this novel all worked together to produce a novel that I struggle to dislike at all. Pine's work is always made by her characters and the time and effort she puts into them, their issues, the support groups and each other, and it shines. So far, it's 3/3 for the wonderful woman, and I have full intentions in reading her work for as long as she publishes it.Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-75676070567434703552015-06-09T03:06:00.001+01:002015-06-09T03:06:02.504+01:00Book Review - Mindwalker<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404234096l/18883256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mindwalker (Mindwalker, #1)" border="0" height="320" id="coverImage" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404234096l/18883256.jpg" width="209" /></a><b>Mindwalker</b><br />
Author: A.J. Steiger<br />
Series: Mindwalker #1<br />
Genres: Dystopian | Young Adult<br />
Release Date: 9th June 2015<br />
Source: Review Copy - Knopf Books for Young Readers<br />
Rating: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-half-o"></i> <br />
<blockquote>
At seventeen, Lain Fisher has already aced the Institute's elite training program for Mindwalkers, therapists who use a direct neural link to erase a patient's traumatic memories. A prodigy and the daughter of a renowned scientist-whose unexplained death left her alone in the world-Lain is driven by the need to save others.<br />
<br />
When Steven, a troubled classmate, asks her to wipe a horrific childhood experience from his mind, Lain's superiors warn her to stay away. Steven's scars are too deep, they say; the risk too great. Yet the more time Lain spends with him, the more she begins to question everything about her society. As she defies the warnings and explores Steven's memories, it becomes clear that he's connected to something much bigger…something the Institute doesn't want the world to discover.<br />
<br />
Lain never expected to be a rule breaker. She certainly didn't plan on falling in love with a boy she's been forbidden to help. But then, she never expected to stumble
into a conspiracy that could ignite a revolution.</blockquote>
So yet again we have book that was available from LoveReading4Kids for request, it is yet again one that I had heard nothing about and was completely unaware of until I got the email through about it. I think it would be safe to say that it was another book requested on a whim, one that I wanted to read purely because its a dystopian and everyone must now by now how much I love my dystopian books. When I first read the summary the first thing that caught my eye was just how unique and original the story sounded, it wasn't one I felt like I had read hundreds of times and instantly my expectations were. Everything about it sounded good but it was one that seemed to be relatively unknown throughout the young adult community, so that itself was enough to make me unsure about reading it. LoveReading4Kids is pretty lethal to me at the moment because I can't seem to stop requesting books that I may be on the fence about reading, however it wasn't for them I wouldn't have known about some great books otherwise and I'm happy to say that Mindwalker was one of them.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Mindwalker is a book that is set in a time, way in the future, where its now possible to have all your bad memories erased. Because everyone is able to in essence change the person they are, without all the traumatic things bringing them down, everyone lives in a seemingly peaceful existent without war or social unrest. But having a government that maintains the peace and tranquility by brain-wiping those they see as a far, things can't be as controlled and happy go lucky as they ma seem. Lain Fisher, one of the youngest therapist at the Institute and a Mindwalker in training, is the daughter of the deceased scientist and someone who's goal has only ever been to be a Mindwalker. But when a classmate comes to her for help, she's is torn between what's right and what her father would do, even if it means she will not longer be able to follow her dream.<br />
<br />
The first thing I'm going to talk about is something that was without a doubt my favourite thing about this book, the ability to erase peoples memories. In the first chapter Lain's client is a man who trying to forget the horrible things he had to do during the war, something that has haunted him for years and sadly the clients memories aren't the worst Lain has ever had to experience. Being a Mindwalker goes way beyond just having the knowledge of how to take away parts of peoples memories, it also means that while you are mapping out and finding the tainted ones that said client has asked you to dispose of, you are feeling every single thing they felt, you aren't just in their memories you are them. The reason why I love this so much is not the feeling of fear or pain or anything else that Lain has to go through in order to help people, though it was always written really well, it's the idea of helping people move on. Thousands and thousands of people live with something that gives them nightmares, stops them functioning as a basic human being, and the concept of changing that to help is brilliant. It's a bit like in Awaken where Katie Kacvinsky used the concept of everyone using their computer for everything these days.<br />
<br />
While reading this story I had plenty of ideas what was going to happen, and even though I was right on a lot of them it never made me like the book any less because I don't feel like it was something that would have been overly obviously to everyone, I'm not saying I can see through things more than others but I just seem to be lucky with seeing plot twists that others don’t. Other than the plot that was constantly keeping me on my toes, I really enjoyed the characters, my favourite thing being how Lain never just changed her views on everything she's been brought up to believe jut because a pretty face is telling her different. Seeing her slowly come to the terms with everything not being as it seems, while still believing deep in her heart that her dad had the right idea, was something brilliant. Honestly, she is such a fantastic character and I can not wait to read the second book.<br />
<br />
When I started this book I was unsure, a few chapters into it and I started to get a good feeling about the story and I'm happy to say that it's everything I thought I would be, and more. I am so pleased I've had the opportunity to read it, such a brilliant start to the series and I just hope it stays consistent throughout because I'm not sure I would be too happy if it didn't carry on being as good.<br />
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Snapexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05894518924876371938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-65304683130938263802015-06-08T01:43:00.000+01:002015-06-08T01:43:43.109+01:00Amanda's Series Relationship - 2015 Update<center>
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<br />
Last year, I took inspiration from Nitzan and talked about <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/my-series-relationship.html">my series relationship</a>, what series I'd finished, started and planned on finishing, started and was unsure about continuing and series I wanted to started. If I could be so frank, it was a pretty nifty idea that revealed that I, am was a bit of a series un-finish-er. Fast forward over a year and I thought it would be fun (ha! who am I kidding?!) to take a look at the that relationship status now, see whether I have improved, take a look at where I stand with series, and cry over all the new series I intend to read. Essentially, I'm just digging myself into a worse hole I was already in. Fabulous, worthy post then, right? I thought so. So it begins..<br />
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<h1>
Series Finished And/Or Up-To-Date
</h1>
Last year, for those who haven't taken a look at <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/my-series-relationship.html">last years post</a> (you probably should consider it, I'll be here when you get back), I had <i>technically</i> four series I was either finished with that had all their installments released, or series that were partially released and I'd read all books released. I'm proud to say, I've definitely done away with that measly number in the last year/few months..<br /><br />
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</center>
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<h4>
Series Featured:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Hearts by Keris Stainton: Jessie Hearts NYC, Emma Hearts LA</li>
<li>The Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa: Iron King, Iron Daughter, Iron Queen, Iron Knight</li>
<li>Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini: Starcrossed, Dreamless, Goddess</li>
<li>Faith by Candy Harper: Have a Little Faith, Keep the Faith</li>
<li>Dead Girls Detective Agency by Suzy Cox: The Dead Girls Detective Agency, Dead Girls Walking</li>
<li>Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter: I'd Tell You, Cross My Heart, Don't Judge, Only The Good, Out of Sight, United We Spy</li>
<li>Sweet Trilogy by Wendy Higgins: Sweet Evil, Sweet Peril, Sweet Reckoning</li>
<li>Curse Workers, by Holly Black: White Cat, Red Glove, Black Heart</li>
<li>The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay</li>
<br />
<li>Face Time by S.J. Pajonas: Face Time</li>
<li>Unknown Assassin by Allen Zadoff: The Hit, The Mission</li>
<li>The Legion by Kami Garcia: Unbreakable, Unmarked</li>
<li>Mind Games by Kiersten White: Mind Games, Perfect Lies</li>
<li>Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky: Awaken, Middle Ground, Still Point</li>
<li>Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan: Lightning Thief, Sea of Monsters, Titans Curse, Battle of Labyrinth, Last Olympian</li>
<li>Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi: Under the Never Sky, Through the Ever Night, Into the Still Blue</li>
<li>Variants by Susanne Winnacker: Imposter, Defector</li>
<li>Worldwalker by Josephine Angelini: Trial by Fire</li>
<br />
<li>Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy: Books #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #7.5, #8, #8.5, #9</li>
<li>Heist Society by Ally Carter: Heist Society, Uncommon Criminals, Perfect Scoundrels</li>
<li>Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan: Red Pyramid, Throne of Fire, Serpents Shadow</li>
<li>Anna by Kendare Blake: Anna Dressed in Blood, Girl of Nightmares</li>
<br />
<li>Otherworld by Skylar Dorset: The Girl Who Never Was, The Boy With the Hidden Name</li>
<li>Tom Hoyle Standalones: Thirteen, Spiders</li>
<li>Waterfire Saga by Jennifer Donnelly: Deep Blue, Rogue Wave</li>
<li>If Only by A.J. Pine: If Only, What If</li>
<li>Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan: Lost Hero, Son of Neptune, Mark of Athena, House of Hades, Blood of Olympus</li>
<li>Embassy Row by Ally Carter: All Fall Down</li>
<li>White Rabbit Chronicles by Gena Showalter: Alice in Zombieland, Through the Zombie Glass, Queen of Zombie Hearts</li>
<li>Ladybirds by Jenny MacLachlan: Flirty Dancing, Love Bomb</li>
<li>Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer: Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, Fairest</li>
<br />
<li>Never Never by Colleen Hoover/Tarryn Fisher: Part One</li>
<li>Half Life by Sally Green: Half Bad, Half Wild</li>
<li>Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard: Red Queen</li>
<li>The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: The Naturals, Killer Instinct</li>
<li>Strawberry Sisters by Candy Harper: Perfectly Ella</li>
<li>Penryn and the End of Days by Susan Ee: Angelfall, World After, End of Days</li>
<li>Angelbound by Christina Bauer: Angelbound, Scala, Armageddon, Maxon</li>
<li>A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: A Court of Thorns and Roses</li>
</ul>
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<center>
<h1>
Series I Need To Continue/Finish</h1>
What kick started the last edition of this post was wanting to know how many series I leave unread and thankfully, I wasn't <i>too</i> bad at it backtracking a year ago, and I'm pleased to say, I really don't think I'm doing too bad this year either.. am I?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILARzbdL4gtPC_KXItwczi6NNwc_1vn3oMeH9QtAAJWDqkis6mTWGMqyFwrRWsFtUcmUHsTOkcKeKRTgpsLevvp5axdaBKylHqOjX3xYTnpnqISWbzqdbGSbrMipw-0kCbxT8Y5lKrDl0/s1600/series-to-continue.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILARzbdL4gtPC_KXItwczi6NNwc_1vn3oMeH9QtAAJWDqkis6mTWGMqyFwrRWsFtUcmUHsTOkcKeKRTgpsLevvp5axdaBKylHqOjX3xYTnpnqISWbzqdbGSbrMipw-0kCbxT8Y5lKrDl0/s1600/series-to-continue.png" /></a></center>
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<h4>
Series Featured:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare: Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince | Clockwork Princess</li>
<li>Dirty Monsters by Jackie Trippier Holt: Freaks Like Us, Bloody Secrets | Lies and Lures</li>
<li>Anna - French Kiss by Stephine Perkins: Anna - French Kiss | Lola - Boy Next Door, Isla - Happily Ever After</li>
<li>Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare: Bones, Ashes, Glass | Fallen Angels, Lost Souls, Heavenly Fire</li>
<li>Pivot Point by Kasie West: Pivot Point | Split Second</li>
<li>Fairytale Retellings by Jackson Pearce: Sister's Red, Sweetly | Fathomless, Cold Spell</li>
<li>Courier Daughter's Trilogy by C.J. Redwine: Defiance | Deception, Deliverance</li>
<li>Blood of Eden by Julie Kagawa: Immortal Rules | Eternity Cure, Forever Song</li>
<li>Heart of Dread by Melissa de la Cruz: Frozen | Stolen</li>
<br />
<li>Goddess War by Kendare Blake: Antigoddess | Mortal Gods, Ungodly</li>
<li>Everneath by Brodi Ashton: Everneath | Everbound, Evertrue</li>
<li>Summer by Jenny Han: Summer I Turned Pretty | Its Not Summer Without You, We'll Always Have Summer</li>
<li>The Grisha by Leigh Bardugo: Shadow and Bone | Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising</li>
<br />
<li>Starters by Lissa Price: Starters | Enders</li>
<li>The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater: The Raven Boys, Dream Thieves | Blue Lily, Lily Blue, Raven King</li>
<li>Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas: Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight | Heir of Fire</li>
<li>Dark Star by Bethany Frenette: Dark Star, Burn Bright | Fire Fall</li>
<li>Divergent by Veronica Roth: Divergent | Insurgent, Allegiant</li>
<li>I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga: The Hunt Killers | Game, Blood of my Blood</li>
<li>One Night by A.J. Pine: One Night | Untitled</li>
<li>Red Eye by Various Authors: Flesh and Blood | Bad Bones, Sleepless</li>
<li>The Program by Suzanne Young: The Remedy | The Program, The Treatment</li>
</ul>
<br />
<center>
<h1>
Series Started that Need Consideration</h1>
Starting a series and finding yourself either a little disappointed or just not feeling anything particular about the first installment, that makes deciding whether to continue the series the most frustrating and horrible feeling in the world. What if it gets better? What if it gets worse? What if it stays, meh? Having to choose is always hard, and of course, I have a few that need some thought..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZftNIrfbpI7xtl21OiJfDMAvqGOfxu2JDr5mfISN1r6Ly3XSEfSgRwlwbjK1_GSVpF_Ry3vttVzrx39vBytT963bgBtBBGceZUKaj6VDSX7uAruwaijLdnfyQvHM4n29BEr_HgoztG001/s1600/started-need-consideration.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZftNIrfbpI7xtl21OiJfDMAvqGOfxu2JDr5mfISN1r6Ly3XSEfSgRwlwbjK1_GSVpF_Ry3vttVzrx39vBytT963bgBtBBGceZUKaj6VDSX7uAruwaijLdnfyQvHM4n29BEr_HgoztG001/s1600/started-need-consideration.png" /></a></center>
<br />
<h4>
Series Featured:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Across the Universe by Beth Revis: Across the Universe | A Million Suns, Shades of Earth</li>
<li>Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness: The Knife of Never Letting Go, Ask and the Answer, Monsters of Men</li>
<li>Dustlands by Moira Young: Blood Red Road | Rebel Heart, Raging Star</li>
<li>If I Stay by Gayle Forman: If I Stay | Where She Went</li>
<br />
<li>Graceling by Kristin Cashore: Graceling | Fire, Bitterblue</li>
<li>Lose My Sense by Sera Bright: See Through Me | Only Your Touch</li>
<li>Legend by Marie Lu: Legend | Prodigy, Champion</li>
<li>Books of Faerie by Maggie Stiefvater: Lament | Ballad</li>
<li>Lowcountry Ghost Story by Lyla Payne: Not Quite Dead | Not Quite Cold, Not Quite True</li>
<li>The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey: The 5th Wave, Infinite Sea | The Last Star</li>
<li>Splintered by A.G. Howard: Splintered | Unhinged, Ensnared</li>
<li>Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne: Monument 14 | Sky on Fire, Savage Drift</li>
<li>Spooks Apprentice by Joseph Delaney: Apprentice, Curse, Secret, Battle | #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13</li>
</ul>
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<center>
<h1>
Series I'd Like To Start Soon-ish?</h1>
If it wasn't already completely clear to you, I love myself some series and I'm constantly buying, receiving or wanting to start new series, to the point where it's one of the many things I'm tracking in my spreadsheets this year, but I've collected a lot of series starters that I'd like to read, soon, or at least in the near future. In fact, why don't some of you tell me which I should be starting!</center>
<center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMgXhLoMMixyeKyRsgXgHesC56k2Ja1z0GjXjYgW61O69T826Ww97eenPpd0g0PFtYOp4DVxZiGsCRtHt9m3S_om_U9cQOA3atIzsaqOV3gVz3RpEv-UqXSfl9AUBFXJt75ewOltEnpDW/s1600/series-to-start.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMgXhLoMMixyeKyRsgXgHesC56k2Ja1z0GjXjYgW61O69T826Ww97eenPpd0g0PFtYOp4DVxZiGsCRtHt9m3S_om_U9cQOA3atIzsaqOV3gVz3RpEv-UqXSfl9AUBFXJt75ewOltEnpDW/s1600/series-to-start.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<h4>
Series Featured:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor: Smoke and Bone, Blood and Starlight, Gods and Monsters</li>
<li>Breathe by Sarah Crossan: Breath, Resist</li>
<li>Jessie Jefferson by Paige Toon: Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson, I Knew You Were Trouble</li>
<li>Unremembered by Jessica Brody: Unremembered, Unforgotten, Unchanged</li>
<li>Unwind Dystology by Neil Shusterman: Unwind, Unwholly, Unsouled, Undivided</li>
<li>Avry of Kazan by Maria V. Snyder: Tough of Power, Scent of Magic, Taste of Darkness</li>
<li>Slated by Teri Terry: Slated, Fractured, Shattered</li>
<li>The Pledge by Kimberly Derting: The Pledge, The Essence, The Offering</li>
<li>Prep School Confidential by Kara Taylor: Prep School Confidential, Wicked Little Secrets, Deadly Little Sins</li>
<br />
<li>Goddess Test by Aimee Carter: Goddess Test, Goddess Interrupted, Goddess Inheritance</li>
<li>Also Known As by Robin Benway: Spy Society, Sleuth and Dare</li>
<li>Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin: Unbecoming of Mara, Evolution of Mara, Retribution of Mara</li>
<li>Boomerang by Noelle August: Boomerang, Rebound, Bounce</li>
<br />
<li>Burn for Burn by Jenny Han/Siobhan Vivan: Burn for Burn, Fire with Fire, Ashes To Ashes</li>
<li>Call of the Forgotten by Julie Kagawa: Lost Prince, Iron Traitor, Iron Warrior</li>
<li>Blackcoat Rebellion by Aimee Carter: Pawn, Captive, Queen</li>
<li>St. Judes Academy by Lucy Carver: Young Gifted & Dead, Killing You Softly</li>
<li>To All the Boys by Jenny Han: To All The Boys I've Loved Before, P.S. I Still Love You</li>
<li>Shadow Ravens by Aileen Erin/Lola Dodge: Cipher, Quanta</li>
<li>Nobody's Princess by Esther Friesner: Nobody's Princess, Nobody's Prize</li>
<li>Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry: Pushing the Limits, Dare To You, Crash Into You, Take Me On</li>
<li>Cahill Witch Chronicles by Jessica Spotswood: Born Wicked, Star Cursed, Sister's Fate</li>
</ul>
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<center><h1>
What progress have you made with your series?</h1></center>
Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-66433707410133570412015-06-05T01:31:00.000+01:002015-06-05T01:32:52.398+01:00Stop Using Sexual Assault/Rape As Character Development!<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmL7TnmxU4cCV7fc9nfDHmwL8KAD88NTaHqCH1nsoC_DqjPriuT-hwmLdPwbT11yfZZ0rTdAJDodbmmZCLNLl38ig56pjEgZBbw6_eMn_LhfWNhmq8feCjMb26A-28WA3lNCtuv8WI18k5/s1600/sexual-assault-rape-character-development.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmL7TnmxU4cCV7fc9nfDHmwL8KAD88NTaHqCH1nsoC_DqjPriuT-hwmLdPwbT11yfZZ0rTdAJDodbmmZCLNLl38ig56pjEgZBbw6_eMn_LhfWNhmq8feCjMb26A-28WA3lNCtuv8WI18k5/s1600/sexual-assault-rape-character-development.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
How many times have you read a young adult novel in which the main character, male or female, is trapped in a scenario that involves them fighting somebody off them or away from them sexually? Off the top of your head, you probably can't name any, and yet I am willing to bet that you've read a scene exactly like that. Somebody being pressured into a situation they don't want to be in. Somebody being 'convinced' that what one person wants, they want too. Somebody having to forcibly shout, scream and beg for somebody to stop what they think is acceptable. I've read scenes like these one too many times - it's about time we asked:<br />
<h5>
Why is sexual assault and rape being used in young adult fiction as 'development'?</h5>
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<a name='more'></a>
Is this really the message we want to send to young readers? That, in order to make it anywhere in life, you have to have been through something horrific and live changing and get through it, develop into somebody different, somebody better, to get somewhere? This message is so so wrong and it breaks my heart and angers me to have to read about these poor characters going through experiences they should never have to.<br />
<h5>
Let Me Tell You A Story..</h5>
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When I was 13, I was in a relationship with a guy I really liked, and he was one of the sweetest, most considerate, most, appreciative people I knew. He never once rushed me into anything, nor did he ever pressure me into anything I didn't want. He even asked for permission to kiss me on the roadside while I waited for my lift home, which ended up being our first kiss. His friend however wasn't quite as nice.<br />
<h5>
I'll set the scene.</h5>
<br />
Four 13 year old kids, myself and three other 'friends', unsupervised in a house. Two of my 'friends' that made up a couple where upstairs, doing what one could only be as blunt as saying 'underage activities', and my aforementioned sweet boyfriend had gone home for the day. I was left downstairs, alone, with a boy I'd briefly called my boyfriend, although nothing more than holding hands and a valentines card had ever been exchanged between us during out period of 'dating'.<br />
<br />
He was also my boyfriends best friend.<br />
<br />
Within the time period we were left alone, I was pressured to perform sexual activities on this 'best friend' of my boyfriend after explicitly saying no, explaining that I was with somebody else, telling him I did not want to do anything with him, activities I did not want to take part in with him, activities that I didn't understand. I was pressured to comply, or else my boyfriend would be made aware of what had happened. I was held beneath him, trapped by him and stuck in what I can only describe as one of the most horrifying experiences of my life, an experience that has stayed embedded in my memory ever since.<br />
<br />
I, of course, being the honest and truthful girlfriend that I was, told these other friends and that sweet, considerate and appreciative boyfriend what had happened. The result?<br />
<ul>
<li>I'd cheated on my boyfriend with his best friend.</li>
<li>I'd been a slut.</li>
<li>I had thrown myself at this 'friend' and then tried to lie and shift blame.</li>
<li><b>I should have stopped him</b>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
I was branded a liar, a cheat, and easy.<br />
I never told anyone else about the experience.<br />
Not my parents, not other friends, nobody.<br />
Until today.
<br />
<br />
What I didn't understand all those years ago is that <b>I was a victim</b>. Only now though can I see this more clearly than ever, and it's all thanks to young adult contemporary novels. I only wish I meant that more positively..<br />
<br />
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/book-review-love-bomb.html">Love Bomb by Jenny McLachlan</a> is one of these young adult contemporary novels featuring similar experiences to what I had endured, and I talked briefly about it in my review, but I want to talk about it more, because it seriously needs to be highlighted. One of the scenes involves the main character and her 'love interest' heading into a bedroom, a room that the main character is shown to be uncomfortable being in, and then later, encouraged to sit on his bed. This could quite easily be a show of nerves, but later actions, taking kissing and touching too far, affecting her confidence and comfort, actions that, as is stated during the writing, the main character doesn't want happening to her, are shrugged off as being a learning curve of the teenage years. Not only that, but the main character is made to feel as though the experience was her fault, that she'd done wrong, that she'd disappointed said 'love interest', implying that she should have been more open about the experience, and never actually speaks to anyone about the whole experience. The 'love interest' in question is never punished for his actions.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/book-review-we-are-all-made-of-molecules.html">We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen</a> also touches upon similar experiences, although these are taken into a much harsher light and are, in some ways, taken note of a explored in more depth, but are not anywhere near sorted or closed cases. The main female character is first told that her 'boyfriends' parents will be in when plans are made to meet at 'love interest' house, and then later told upon arrival that they are not there, which later turns in 'love interest' encouraging alcohol toward female main character and trying to encourage her to embark in activities she makes clear she doesn't wish to be involved in. Words such as 'no' and 'stop' are used frequently, and female character later questions whether 'love interest' apology was for the actions, or that he couldn't continue with them. Later, said female main character is plied with more alcohol at a party with 'love interest' who has already proven his asshole-ness around her, and is taken into bed with not one, but TWO males who are clearly nowhere near as intoxicated as the main character and proceed to determine whether she is suitably aware of her surroundings enough to take part in any sexual activities with her. When it becomes clear that she is not, they proceed to attempt to undress her, take photographic evidence and then leave her unattended, vulnerable and almost unconscious. The female main character does, eventually speak to people about the experience, and while legal proceedings almost take place, lack of evidence proves to be a standing factor and the accusations are dropped. Public people of power, both in a school and legal environment are made aware of these actions, yet the 'love interest' is never punished for his actions, despite witness accounts.<br />
<br />
These moments and scenes taken out of the novels in questions speak volumes when pinpointed and separated from the rest of the novel in question, and yet, when left among the rest of it's novel, are easily dismissed as a plot device, or as a way for a character to develop, or for a relationship not to occur, rather than be delved into in a much deeper, much more important manner. Jamie previously asked <a href="http://www.perpetualpageturner.com/2015/03/is-it-the-authors-job.html">whether it's the authors responsibility to make sure that important topics are given the right message in fiction</a>, and in this case, I say yes. Yes it is.<br />
<br />
You can not feature rape or sexual assault in young adult novels and not make clear that these actions are wrong and illegal. You can not bring up these moments and not make clear that it's not just a part of growing up and learning more about yourself. You can not and should not shrug of these types of abuse because they are so so wrong, and by doing so, you're creating the wrong impression of the subject, and creating more victims. These 'love interests' were never punished and were allowed to be involved in the victims life with no consideration for how it might have affected them further down the line, anything from their trust and emotional levels with other people, to their confidence and comfortableness in society, to serious mental issues due to trauma of the event. You can't write about these subjects and not call it out on what it is. It's disgusting. It's shocking. It's rape..<br />
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<center>
<h4>
How Do You Feel About the Use of Sexual Assault and Rape in Fiction?</h4>
</center>
Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-18402331197108030012015-06-04T01:08:00.001+01:002015-06-04T01:08:05.968+01:00Blogger Love: Awesome Posts That Rocked May<center>
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One of my favourite things about the blogging community is it's so vast. There's no little group of people doing one thing, there are thousands of people blogging about a thousand different things, and with so many voices in the community, it's very easy to feel lost among the many many voices. Fear not, because I'm all about sharing my love for all things fabulous, and that includes super awesome blog posts I read last month that deserve your attention. Go forth, explore, find fantastic posts and spread love!<br />
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<h2>
Reading, Reviewing, and All Things Books!</h2>
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<h4>
Inside Books</h4>
<ul>
<li>Mel asked: <a href="http://thedailyprophecy.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/fairytale-news-49-leaving-your.html">do we outgrow characters we previously loved?</a></li>
<li>Cait explained why <a href="http://paperfury.com/why-i-am-scared-to-write-diversity/">she's afraid to write diversely</a></li>
<li>Kelley explained why <a href="http://www.ohthebooks.com/seriously-i-could-do-without-the-sex-scenes/">she can live without sex scenes</a></li>
<li>Nereyda asked: <a href="http://mostlyyabookobsessed.com/2015/05/do-people-do-this-in-real-life.html">do people really make what the heck moments in real life?</a></li>
</ul>
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<h4>
Acquiring Books and ARC's</h4>
<ul>
<li>Amir shared a <a href="http://www.notsoliterary.com/2015/05/a-readers-guide-to-advance-reading-copies/">guide to advanced reading copies</a></li>
<li>Samantha talked about <a href="http://spinesandcovers.com/lets-talk-netgalley/">her NetGalley experience</a></li>
<li>Liza asked: <a href="http://readingwithabc.com/2015/05/keep-arcs/">do you keep hold of advance reading copies?</a></li>
<li>Shannon shared <a href="http://itstartsatmidnight.com/2015/05/a-guide-to-epic-book-hoarding/">a guide to epically hoarding books</a></li>
</ul>
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<h4>
Reviewing and Critism</h4>
<ul>
<li>Jess wondered: <a href="http://www.myreadingdress.com/2015/05/politically-prim-and-proper-have-i.html">has she forgotten how to use her free speech?</a></li>
<li>Lauren talked about <a href="http://bookmarklit.net/2015/05/21/head-vs-heart-reading-rating-and-reviewing/">head vs heart during reading, reviewing and rating</a></li>
</ul>
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<h4>
Bookworm Thoughts</h4>
<ul>
<li>Brittany shared <a href="http://www.bookaddictsguide.com/2015/05/25/51-statements-bookworms-can-agree-with/">51 statements bookworms relate to</a></li>
<li>Cait asked: <a href="http://paperfury.com/are-you-ever-blindly-protective-over-certain-books/">do you get protective over certain books?</a></li>
<li>Cait shared <a href="http://paperfury.com/10-problems-of-being-an-adult-reading-ya/">10 problems behind reading YA as an adult</a></li>
<li>Cait shared <a href="http://paperfury.com/10-occupational-hazards-of-being-a-bookworm/">10 occupational hazards of being a bookworm</a></li>
<li>Cait asked: <a href="http://paperfury.com/do-you-like-ordinary-characters/">do you like ordinary characters?</a></li>
<li>Asti explained why <a href="http://www.ohthebooks.com/bookish-thoughts-im-starting-to-dread-series/">she's starting to dread series</a></li>
<li>Kelley talked about <a href="http://www.ohthebooks.com/when-going-in-blind-almost-screws-me-over/">going in blind and being (almost) screwed over</a></li>
<li>Nova asked: <a href="http://outoftimebookblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/nova-rants-do-ya-parents-hate-their.html">why do YA parents give their children silly names?</a></li>
<li>Samantha explained <a href="http://spinesandcovers.com/discussing-libraries/">why she loves using the library</a></li>
<li>Brittany talked about <a href="http://www.bookaddictsguide.com/2015/05/20/my-conference-and-signing-advice/">blogging conventions and personalised book signings</a></li>
<li>Hazel shared her idea behind <a href="http://staybookish.net/on-big-ideas-an-e-magazine-for-ya-book-lovers/">an E-Zine for book lovers!</a></li>
<li>Sandra talked about <a href="http://teabetweenbooks.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/the-words-from-another-language.html">translated novels and qualities in language</a></li>
<li>Shannon shared <a href="http://itstartsatmidnight.com/2015/05/never-have-i-booksihly-ever/">10 book-related 'things' she's never done</a></li>
<li>Joy asked: <a href="http://www.thoughtsbyj.com/discussion-do-you-choose-your-next-book-based-on-its-size/">do you choose books to read based on size?</a></li>
<li>Carmel asked: <a href="http://rabidreads.ca/2015/05/question-do-you-judge-authors-by-their-online-identities.html">do you judge authors by their online identity?</a></li>
<li>Sarah delved into <a href="http://whatsarahread.com/2015/05/06/footnotes-on-being-a-crititcal-reader/">what it means to be a critical reader</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
</div>
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<h2>
Blogging, Design and Lots of Advice!</h2>
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<h4>
Blogging Thoughts and Advice</h4>
<ul>
<li>Ashley explained why <a href="https://www.nosegraze.com/posts-dates-piss-off/">posts without dates piss her off</a></li>
<li>Mel talked about <a href="http://yamidnightreads.com/2015/05/midnight-blogging-101-1-co-blogging/">the pros and cons of co-blogging</a></li>
<li>Zoey talked about <a href="http://uncreativelyzoey.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/my-biggest-fears-as-blogger.html">her biggest blogging fears</a></li>
<li>Chiara asked: <a href="http://delicateeternity.com/2015/can-you-be-an-author-a-book-blogger/">can you be an author and book blogger?</a></li>
<li>Mel snarkily explained <a href="http://yamidnightreads.com/2015/05/how-to-book-blog/">how to book blog</a></li>
<li>Sarah shared <a href="http://whatsarahread.com/2015/05/15/what-ive-learned-in-my-first-year-of-blogging/">things she's learned in one year of blogging</a></li>
<li>Aimee talked about <a href="http://thesocialpotato.maryfaye.net/2015/05/13/things-that-changed-since-i-started-blogging/">things that have changed since she started blogging</a></li>
<li>Nova created a <a href="http://outoftimebookblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/you-are-appreciated-bloggerauthor-love.html">blogger/author love feature</a> - tell someone you appreciate them!</li>
<li>Nova snarked her way through <a href="http://outoftimebookblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/mandatory-rules-on-commenting-on-posts.html">8 'mandatory' rules for commenting on blogs</a></li>
<li>Sarah reminded everyone: <a href="http://xosarah.com/2015/05/05/hey-solopreneur-how-well-are-you-treating-your-one-and-only-employee/">take care of your no.1 employee, solopreneur!</a></li>
<li>Regina shared <a href="http://byregina.com/blogger-to-creative-coach/">10 tips on transitioning from blogger to creative coach</a></li>
<li>Ashley asked: <a href="https://www.nosegraze.com/originality/">do we overestimate our originality?</a></li>
<li>Bekka asked: <a href="http://www.prettydeadlyblog.com/blogging-for-yourself-vs-blogging-for-others/">why do you blog, and who do you blog for?</a></li>
<li>Kaitlin shared <a href="http://next-page-please.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/10-things-that-will-cause-me-to-leave.html">10 things that cause her to leave your blog</a></li>
<li>Jessica shared <a href="http://bookishserendipityco.ipage.com/11-post-ideas-for-book-bloggers/">11 post ideas for feeling blue bloggers</a></li>
<li>Lauren shared <a href="http://www.elleandcompanydesign.com/blog/2015/5/20/25-things-ive-learned-from-blogging-5-days-a-week">5 things she's learned through blogging 5 days a week</a></li>
</ul>
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<h4>
Content and Statistics</h4>
<ul>
<li>Jana shared <a href="http://www.lifecouldbeadreamblog.com/7-ways-to-reduce-your-bounce-rate/">7 ways to reduce your bounce rate</a></li>
<li>Jana explained <a href="http://www.lifecouldbeadreamblog.com/updating-old-blog-posts-making-your-content-work-harder/">why you should update your old blog posts</a></li>
<li>Regina shared <a href="http://byregina.com/blog-post-to-book/">how to expand a blog post or series into a book</a></li>
<li>Jana shared <a href="http://www.lifecouldbeadreamblog.com/why-its-important-to-brand-your-blog-how-to-do-it/">why you should brand your blog, and how to do it</a></li>
<li>Allysa re-launched her <a href="http://allyssabarnes.com/2015/05/06/refreshing-your-blog-simplified/">refresh your blog e-book for $5!</a></li>
<li>Jessica shared <a href="http://thebloggingbrew.com/how-to-find-your-blogging-niche/">how to find your blogging niche</a></li>
<li>Allysa shared <a href="http://allyssabarnes.com/2015/05/05/how-to-get-personal-on-your-business-blog-without-alienating-your-readers/">5 ways to get personal on your business blog</a></li>
<li>Lauren explained <a href="http://www.elleandcompanydesign.com/blog/2015/5/28/to-leslie-3-reasons-why-we-focus-more-on-site-traffic-than-our-email-list">why she focuses on site traffic vs email subscribers</a></li>
<li>Lauren shared <a href="http://www.elleandcompanydesign.com/blog/2015/5/26/how-to-create-seo-rich-content">how to create SEO-rich content</a></li>
<li>Sunny explained <a href="http://splash-of-ink.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/find-your-vision-and-make-things-happen.html">why you should find your vision and make things happen</a></li>
<li>Aimee shared <a href="https://deadlydarlings.wordpress.com/2015/05/19/good-content-active-readerships/">blogging tips on good content and active readership</a></li>
<li>Ashley shared <a href="https://www.nosegraze.com/create-blog-series/">how to create a blog series</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Design Tricks and Tools</h4>
<ul>
<li>Jessica shared <a href="http://thebloggingbrew.com/how-to-drop-down-navigation-menu-blogger/">how to create a drop menu in blogger</a></li>
<li>Jessica explained how you remove the <a href="http://thebloggingbrew.com/how-to-remove-wrench-quick-edit-pencil-blogger/">wrench, pencil and more in blogger</a></li>
<li>Nova shared <a href="http://outoftimebookblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/the-evolution-of-my-blog-design.html">the evolution of Out of Time's blog designs</a></li>
<li>Jessica shared <a href="http://thebloggingbrew.com/alternatives-photoshop-blog-graphics/">2 alternatives to Photoshop</a></li>
<li>Stephanie shared <a href="http://www.thesepaperhearts.com/2015/05/common-reasons-why-css-breaks/">9 common reasons CSS breaks</a></li>
<li>Ashley shared <a href="https://www.nosegraze.com/blog-search-box/">how to search through a blog without a search box</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Social Media and Marketing</h4>
<ul>
<li>Jessica shared <a href="http://thebloggingbrew.com/establishing-a-consistent-social-media-presence/">how to establish consistent social media pressence</a></li>
<li>Jessica explained <a href="http://thebloggingbrew.com/group-pinterest-boards-gain-blog-exposure/">how to use group Pinterest boards for exposure</a></li>
<li>Jessica shared <a href="http://thebloggingbrew.com/set-up-rich-pins-blogger-wordpress/">how to set up rich pins on Blogger and Wordpress</a></li>
<li>Allysa shared <a href="http://allyssabarnes.com/2015/05/04/change-thumbnail-on-facebook/">how to change thumbnails on Facebook</a></li>
<li>Lauren shared <a href="http://www.elleandcompanydesign.com/blog/2015/5/4/how-to-brand-your-pinterest-boards">how to brand your Pinterest boards</a></li>
<li>Ashley shared <a href="https://www.nosegraze.com/how-to-create-your-own-pin-it-hover-button/">how to create a pint-it hover button</a></li>
</ul>
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<h2>
Did You Find Any Fabulous Posts, Let Me Know!</h2>
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Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-86593216275220983302015-06-03T00:18:00.001+01:002015-06-03T00:18:33.613+01:00Book Review: Bruja<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Bruja</b><br />
Author: Aileen Erin<br />
Series: Alpha Girl #4<br />
Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy | Young Adult<br />
Release Date: 12th May 2015<br />
Publisher: Ink Monster LLC<br />
Source: Review Copy - Ink Monster LLC<br />
Rating: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><br />
<blockquote>
Claudia de Santos has always looked out for every witch but herself. She fought from the shadows as her coven turned dark, and with a little help from her half-witch/half-Alpha werewolf cousin, Teresa McCaide, Claudia is doing everything she can to keeper friends and family in the light.<br />
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Now the coven has splintered into two factions: Luciana’s army of witches wielding dark magic, and Claudia’s few stragglers who fight with the wolves. War is coming, and it won’t be much of a battle if Claudia can’t find the spells to counteract Luciana’s demonic power. But Luciana strikes before they’re prepared, and Claudia’s twin brother pays the price.<br />
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Suddenly, going to Peru in search of ancient Incan magic doesn’t seem so crazy. Fighting evil will require a pure spirit, but her quest is full of temptations, including a handsome Peruvian guide with secrets of his own. Finding love is the last thing on Claudia’s ever-growing to-do list, but sometimes what you need has a way of seeking you out.</blockquote>
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The following review may contain spoilers concerning earlier books in the series.<br />
If you have not read the previous installments, please proceed with caution.</div>
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Anybody that has been following for any length of time will know that the Alpha Girl series is a series that forever proceeds to steal my heart, ruin me for any other paranormal series, and makes me really really <i>really</i> want my own wolf in my life, (alas, I shall stick to wanting my own cat-sized fluff-ball instead.) Tessa and Dastien's story has always hit a soft spot in my heart, as has the entire plot and collection of characters throughout the series, but Claudia has always been a character I've wanted to explore more, and I could not be happier than Erin not only explored her story, but made Claudia shine.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Instantaneously, I was impressed with Erin's writing abilities in that Claudia's voice was identifiably different from Tessa's in the series, and only too often do you find authors struggle to write different voices when taking on different POV's, but this was not a problem here. Claudia wore her heart on her sleeve and wasn't afraid to stand up for herself and the people she loves. She's such a strong character, mentally, physically and emotionally, and it's pretty much impossible to feel what she feels through her POV - she's so passionate about her beliefs and her feelings for the people important to her, and she fights her own personal demons everyday, and yet puts so many other people first, and it was nice to seriously be able to appreciate and experience Claudia putting herself first and making decisions for herself, not just for the benefit of others. Her development throughout this novel in itself was outstanding, and in my opinion, was so much better than Tessa's in the previous series instalments because Claudia, while supported, grew into herself and became someone she wanted to be, she wasn't developed through another character or a romance, but through herself, and that's what was most beautiful. Erin proved to readers that you can be a hero and do the right thing, all the while never letting go of dreams and making decisions for yourself, which is so lacking in fantasy novels.<br />
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Speaking of development without romance, the romance itself was in every way perfect in my eyes. No seriously, there's a level of insta-love within this series through 'finding your perfect mate and knowing it right away' and it's one the few features in this series I've accepted easily as it's pretty important to the plot, but the romance here was a whole other story. Beautiful, I'm telling you, it was nothing short of fuzzy feelings, adorable hand-holding, tender cuddles and so much pure emotion, I could not and still cannot handle just how damn cute Claudia and Lucas were. There was so much honesty and maturity on Lucas's side of the relationship - he never pressured, her never rushed and he fully understood that Claudia had a lot of baggage, both in her past, and during the plot with the affect Raphael's condition had on her emotionally, and throughout it all, he stood his ground and stuck with her, supporting her, guiding her and allowing her to come into herself, tell me that is not a wonderful love interest. Yes, their romance is a little rushed due to circumstances that come about during the novel, but oh man, I'm so on board this ship with my shippy feels. So much perfection between their emotions and their feelings and the cuteness and I just haven't got it in me to contain my feelings.<br />
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Oh, and can I talk about Claudia's other relationships with people around her, her family and her friends, because they were SO important in this novel. Her wonderful relationship with her bother was such a vital part of this story's plot and it was beautiful to be able to explore a different angle of families than we've seen previously in the series - the brothers and siblings and families in this series are just gorgeous, and they're portrayed so honestly and realistically, considering the actual genre, it's hard to not be impressed. Her family bond with Tessa is also really quite wonderful, and I can see their relationship growing more within the series - it's such a sweet, caring and understanding connection between them, wanting to take care of people, but needing to be reminded that they need time for themselves too. Not to mention Claudia's friendships and how loyal and caring those friends are, the relationships and connections in this novel blew everything else I've read in the series out of the water, and trust me, that's saying something, this series is up there with the best for me.<br />
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I wouldn't mind, but previously, this series has struggled with containing good single plots within it's instalments all the while growing the entire series plot, but Bruja pulled this off perfectly. I never for one moment felt as though Claudia's story wasn't important to the story, in fact, I feel as though is was so important to the series, it'd be a shame to skip it because of the different POV. The pacing felt stable and really well written, the development of characters was up there with the moving plot, and the romance never felt as though it took over the actual mystery, tension and dramatics that were part of pushing this book forward. Learning more about magic, learning more about the coven's and just how vast and magical Erin's world is, it's wonderful, and I would lap up anything this woman wrote in this world, it just contains to wow and leave me in awe, but Bruja took this to a whole new level, and knocked everything I've already read out of the park entirely.<br />
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I never expected to love and fall for Bruja the way I have - enjoy yes, but become one of my favourites of this year, never, and yet, it wowed me at every corner. Claudia's development and growth throughout such a special, yet short period of time, her romance with Lucas, her sibling and family love with Raphael and Tessa, her own important part to play in the overall plot which is bound to come to a climaxing end, there's very little, if anything at all, I can fault in this novel. The twists and turns from specific characters where fabulous, the horrible, nastiness that is the darkness in this series, and the pure and utter gorgeousness that is Erin's talent and writing, it was so completely amazing, I'm not even the slightest bit ashamed of my fangirling. If you're already a fan of this series, please please <i>please</i> do not skip this novel because it's from another POV, it's such a beautiful story from a character I already liked, that become a character I now adore with every ounce of my being, and if you're still considering reading it, please, stop wasting time and do it now.<br />
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Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-92033025959233244052015-06-02T00:06:00.000+01:002015-06-02T00:06:25.083+01:00Book Review - Nowhere But Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Nowhere But Here</b><br />
Author: Katie McGarry<br />
Series: Thunder Road<br />
Genres: Contempoary | Young Adult<br />
Release Date: May 26th 2015<br />
Source: Review Copy - Harlequin Teen<br />
Rating: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-half-o"></i> <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighbourhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.<br />
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Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.<br />
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No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home</blockquote>
When I heard about Nowhere But Here I was excited but also very cautious. Personally speaking I was in a love affair with Katie's writing at the start, but as the series went on I felt like we had become comfortable and I began cheating on it with more exciting, challenging and memorable contemporary books, while always going back for the happy memories we had (much like a marriage haha). I knew I would request Nowhere But Here, I knew at some point I would read it and experience new characters with different situations (hopefully). However what I didn't know was just how much I would end up loving it. When I decided to bite the bullet and just get the book over and done with, I wanted that spark I first felt when I picked up Pushing The Limits and I would be lying if I said I didn't think I would get that with Katie again, I'm so glad to say that I was wrong because from the first chapter my heart was not only fluttery but I was hooked!<br /><br />
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Even though I was very intrigued from the first chapter, my thoughts were very mixed. Emily and me didn't get off on the right foot, in fact her attitude to me screamed every bad boy from the Pushing The Limits series, and because of that I was unsure. I also didn't like how it was yet another contemporary book about a character with that one bad parent, the parent that has seemed to screw up their life and is no longer in it, I just felt like these days they're a dime a dozen and longed for some originality. But then we met Oz, and part of me became hopeful. No longer was I sure that Emily was anything like the others, it seemed more like a front and not who she actually was and after a while I started to warm to her. Once we met her dad it became obvious that there was so much more to the story than just your generic split between parents, there was a much deeper meaning behind it and I guessed it about half way through but it didn't stop me from being surprised when it was revealed (I know that sounds stupid, but it's true). There was a number of different elements in this books that mad it stand out in the crowd but my favourite thing would have to be that it was about a motorcycle gang.<br /><br />
The book is set from two point of views and it works really well. We have Emily trying to uncover the truth about her dad and his family, while actually starting to care for the people who have been absent all her life, and we have Oz, someone who has only ever known the life of the gang and who hopes to become a official member when he comes of age. The pair are spending all they time together, as her father has instructed Oz to look after her while she is visiting, and soon their relationship turns from a mutual dislike to something more (or more.. you'll have to read the book to find out haha). Both main characters are really interesting, as stated I didn't like Emily when the story first started but I think it was Oz who helped her out of her shell and in turn made me like her. However I loved Oz from the start, not only is he cheeky and funny, but he's a fiercely loyal person. I really liked how their relationship was slow, it could have gone a little slower if you ask me but I really to appreciate their age and the attraction/connection they feel so I understand if things got heated quicker than normal.<br /><br />
As you may have experienced yourself at one point or another while reading a contemporary book or a romance of some disruption, sometimes something stops you from imagining the two love birds actually being a match, god know's its happened to me more than once, Lucky I didn't have that with Emily and Oz, one of the things that made reading this book so easy and enjoyable was how they're personalities just complemented each other perfectly and I never found myself second guessing them being together. Although the new faces, situations, relationships and personalities were a breathe of fresh air, I would be lying if I said I was worried that Thunder Road series is going to go down the same road as Pushing The Limits with the similarities, I really really hope I'm wrong though.<br /><br />
If you have read and enjoyed Katie McGarry's other work, than I can't imagine you wouldn't find this book just as good. Putting the main characters and their feelings aside, there is a plethora of other interesting people in the story with their own backgrounds and reason's for the way they behaviour or have acted in the past. If you didn't like her other series than I would say still give this one a go because there is enough differences between the two which could be the deciding factor on you liking it or not. For me though, this book was a lot better than I expected or could have hoped for, I am really looking forward to book two as it's set from one of my favourite sub characters from this one. Though it would never happen, I would pay good money for a book about Emily's parents, how they met each other and how they came to have enough feelings towards each other to procreate. That's something I think would be very interesting.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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Snapexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05894518924876371938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-20950722600247379302015-06-01T01:51:00.000+01:002015-06-01T01:53:46.319+01:005 Things I'd Do Differently If I Were Creating My Blog Today<center>
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It's only natural that after a specific length of time, bloggers come to look back on their journey, the highs and the lows, the good and the bad experience and consider what they may have done differently now they've already done it, or what you could have and should have changed early on in order to positively benefit yourself, and I am no different.<br />
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I'm coming up close to two years blogging, and there's been a lot of upheaval in my life lately, whether that be emotionally or mentally, online or in real life, and it's encouraged me to take a serious look at what I would have done differently with my blogging experiences if I were to start over tomorrow. After much thought, I established that these changes may just benefit others considering starting a blog, so here's 7 things I'd do differently I started a blog today.<br />
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1. Keep My Identity Private</h1>
<b>There is absolutely nothing wrong in wanting to protect yourself online, ever.</b> I seriously wish I had considered it before I decided to shout my name across the online community, because as much as I like being honest and truthful and very much myself with you all, there's a dangerous line that many people online cross between wanting to get to know you, and wanting to find you. Those scary stories you've read about people being stalked, people being harassed, people being followed through their emails, social handles, names and places they live, they happen, and they are very real.<br />
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Protecting yourself and keeping yourself safe online is a complete and utter must if you're starting a blog, and whether you decide to go entirely private and keep close information to yourself is a entirely a preference, but you should always seriously think about how easily you want to be found by people you may not want to be found by.<br />
<ul>
<li>Consider your email address,</li>
<li>Consider whether to shout your full name around the internet,</li>
<li>Consider who you share your address with,</li>
<li>Create written contacts or deals,</li>
<li>Keep prove of promises and exchanges</li>
</ul>
- make sure that you do whatever it takes to make you feel safe when your creating anything online. If I could change things, I might not have shared my entire name, nor associated myself so easily with so many social networking sites. It's such a small thing, but it makes a huge difference, and can be so vitally important.<br />
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<h1>
2. Appreciate That I Won't Always Have Time</h1>
When I started up Book Badger, I just wanted to be part of an exclusive, cool group of people, doing good things, talking good things and I just wanted to be in it, you know? <b>You do not realise just how much time blogging can take away from you</b>. When I first started out, I never considered that to publish a review, I'd have to read a book, and as reading, take notes on said book so I have a braod range of emotions, feelings and thoughts throughout the experience. Then I would have to reword those words I've already written into more understandable gibberish, format and move them elsewhere, and then I'd finally get to put it out into the world. <i>That's a lot of time, a lot of effort, and a lot to do, just for one post</i>. Then imagine the same, but something new, for every day of the week.<br />
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There was many a time I was running on empty.</h4>
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<b>You don't have to push yourself to the brink. Take a step back, relax and appreciate your time.</b> I wish I'd known just how demanding blogging could be when I'd started. There's a chance I may never have stuck around, a chance that I may never have decided to pursue the hobby, but being under the illusion that you will have time for everything you want to do is just foolish. There are other things in life that require your time, like sleeping and eating, and socialising and interactiving and actually getting some sunlight on your face, and these things are important, and I'm ashamed it to say it took me a long time to realise this. Its one of the reason I turned to co-blogging. It's one of the reasons I don't fear blank blog days anymore. Understanding that I don't always have time to blog, or want to spend me time on something else, and someone else, it's a vital rule of blogging, and I would definitely consider it if I were starting a fresh today.<br />
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<h1>
3. Seriously Consider How I Brand Myself</h1>
It's true what they say. <b>If you want to make an impact in anything, you've got to consider how you promote yourself</b>, and it's true, you really do have to consider branding and marketing, at the very least, so people remember you. Nobody creates a blog with the intention of just putting content out there, you want attention, you want people to see your content and go 'wow, I want more of this' and to get that, you need to market yourself and put yourself out there. You don't need to shout about you or yourself, (see point #1) but you do want to have a style, have a look, have things that remind people of you, no matter where they are online.<br />
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When I ran Book Badger, my iconic symbol was, as you can guess, a badger, and it's the one feature everybody loved about my look. It was cute. It stood out. It made sense. It helped create my brand, and it worked. I was memorable to the people that took time out of their day to read my content, because I had branded myself, without even meaning to. <b>Branding yourself and your blog not only help you get visitors, but keep them in the long run</b>. Everybody dreams of success. Whether your success is 100 loyal visitors, or 100,000, your brand is the most important part of your success. If I were starting out a fresh today, my brand and how I marketed myself would be one of the most important things to think about, which leads me onto point #4.<br />
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<h1>
4. I'd Think Long and Hard About My Design</h1>
You don't need an all-singing-all-dancing design, but you do need a functional, easy to navigate design that not only brings readerships, but keeps them there. Oh man, when created my first blog.. It doesn't bare thinking about. <i>It was a disaster!</i> Bad colour choices, too many fonts, too much going on and not enough of what I wanted. The designs that followed where improvements, but never made me truly happy, not until my last Book Badger design, when I finally cracked who I was and what I wanted to be. I wanted simple. I wanted functional. I wanted something people would look at and want to see more of. I wanted people to find my secrets, to see what other fabulous things I was hiding. <b>I wanted my blog to excite people into staying with me. I wanted them to feel the time they'd spent on my blog was worthwhile, and worth more in the future</b>. My design helped do that.<br />
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Design is a broad subject, and there are many other bloggers who can teach you the importance of a good blog design much better than I, but I do believe a good blog needs a good design. It not only makes your visitors happy, but it can inspire you to be better. If you don't love your job, you don't feel motivated to work. If you hate how messy your house is, you feel gloomy and down. If you don't love your blog as a visitor, how can you love it as an content creator? <b>Take time to find what you like in other peoples blogs and feel inspired. Create a place you love and let that love motivate you</b>.<br />
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I've grown a lot in the 2 years I've been blogging, and one the biggest ways I've grown is through my designs. I would never go as far as to say I'm brilliant, nor would I say I was even great, but I've definitely found styles that work for me. I like functional, I like user friendly, and I like to know where things are, or be able to find them. Our current design does this, and it motivates me to create more content, to encourage readers and visitors to stick around. If I were starting out a fresh today, I would take weeks, maybe months, to find the right design for me.<br />
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<h1>
5. I Would Be Open To Blog Direction Changes and Growth</h1>
Within the two odd years I've been blogging, I've changed an awful lot about the way I blog, what I blog about, and why I blog. Starting out with one idea and one method is great, it means you've got a plan and you've got a platform, but like all performers, with experience comes development and growth, and with growth comes change. You want to move onto different things, better thing, sometimes even bigger things, and to do this well, you've got to be open to change. <b>Keeping your options open isn't a bad thing, it enables you to grow and take yourself were you're meant to be</b>.<br />
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I started out just writing reviews (very very badly), which then moved into taking part in memes and blog features other bloggers created, which then progressed into creating my own features and dropping almost all other memes altogether. I later moved onto actually discussing books and blogging, which has since developed into discussions on blogging advice, resources and tricks of the trade I use. In fact, I'm still growing and developing and finding what feels good to me, but <b>I've only managed to do this by being open about my future in blogging</b>.<br />
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The biggest of all of my blog direction changes and developments I made was to co-blog. It was never something I had ever considered doing previously - I'm a bit of a control freak, and what's mine is mine, and I have issues with sharing - and yet the decisions, while huge, was one of the best I made. <b>Becoming open to changes that will inevitably come along has made me function better as a blogger, and as a person</b>. I'm open to new ideas. I'm eager to try new things and meet new people. I'm excited to see how I continue to develop, and I can't wait to see where my blogging will take me. If I were starting a fresh today, I would definitely remember to keep my options open and explore. Boxing yourself up doesn't help anyone, least of all, yourself.<br />
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<h1>
What Would You Do Differently From Experience?</h1>
What would you change about how you've blogged? What lessons have you learnt?<br />
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<h4>
Here's more blogging-related posts you might love!</h4>
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/what-makes-me-follow-unfollow.html"><img alt="What Makes Me Follow or Unfollow" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYOToEFp4zvhbGqeKDTuv1KiPDR9EW957EZg_W107xjrVkTuvD1SXNI0VXJjLYqxKx2tKKM5-gtFoH2CgWDDdNpBFOllvzc4OrXhWM16-BDnz7RLIiFz2O_BF7H6ZU5iE74OraEUFb22v/s1600/FOLLOW-UNFOLLOW_mini.jpg" width="19%" /></a> <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/make-me-click-your-content.html"><img alt="4 Things That Make Me Click To Read Your Content" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcR2tarNsSW9TIGoVKbZeOlYx0fmJU0YizHDWBQNxqfxXpjWh6qtMMkrxi272PYgqeoqQ-Zf_QKQ-kwK-vOYFD16GWEgljHNp4pbEgjsqRh1E35Ou0iD1pCI67oAfNnaooaLeAOt2qSqN5/s1600/read+your+content.jpg" width="19%" /></a> <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/blogs-change-over-time.html"><img alt="Blogs Change Over Time" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2QnDt8tb1VvTSE5-1KhV9fuUBRIHuEObQDJ_ox4kODf2C3TIcgSrDMdPfts5mzP7MYDmzpRueGbiTr0k6Li9DDosv8-gFTi1k1l1LW8-la7R-OG2t89MDIPBTZilxHppQ3_u8Btwla8o/s1600/BLOGS+CHANGE_mini.jpg" width="19%" /></a> <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/celebrate-blogging-milestones-promote-party.html"><img alt="You Should Celebrate Blogging Milestones" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6Ol6v2iYvXLWqtwb5J_s2DLdyVAHIKxBfbxnyOJFe-qkPs77z2OA3rBz-kG7ciiXmNsj6GOxmEU1MbKhD9MW5uIYDL6u9isOfrg26n3orZFNs1NG_aKyMNupHHzkJWVXcJIJ_0B9Ln8P/s1600/celebrate+milestones+promote.jpg" width="19%" /></a> <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/blogging-doesnt-cost-anything.html"><img alt="Blogging Doesn't Cost Me Anything" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWkM_muf5GklWm0-4KLBnueUoo4NXicCFepV84obzZyf3ZLFxOhK7gUXSw7PRsYzzFHp8-jjFKUjJULgwa7SxqD6Oj9MW2glVbwXDanooal5_OWGfUwNzpHjhP9j8-7F9NXrqbuF_vmRs/s1600/BLOGGING+COSTS_mini.jpg" width="19%" /></a></center>
Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-33910533131638347462015-05-31T00:00:00.000+01:002015-05-31T00:00:01.547+01:00Goodbye May - Hello June | Where Is 2015 Going?!<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kA6E1t609ecY1gBAML9w8v6QosaaRAodG2DjHNSJN8z0GpvXh3HCKOI_l4q-6W1cCctRJvJiPVQx6G9vERFzUOutVS1H1XkdtYPJ0k07UJRV-3HP7wY1DPoaTSZP9aLLrsAHTV2YyWXT/s1600/may.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kA6E1t609ecY1gBAML9w8v6QosaaRAodG2DjHNSJN8z0GpvXh3HCKOI_l4q-6W1cCctRJvJiPVQx6G9vERFzUOutVS1H1XkdtYPJ0k07UJRV-3HP7wY1DPoaTSZP9aLLrsAHTV2YyWXT/s1600/may.jpg" /></a></center>
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Well, after April's very busy and very exciting month, may as come around and just disappeared before out very eyes. WHERE IS THIS YEAR GOING? It'll be Christmas before you know! Too soon?.. Still, It's been quieter here on the western front, with Amanda holding fort while Stacie dealt with buys life events, so you've been able to relax without the fear of catching up on many, many posts from us when you check in. Here's to a (hopefully), little more exciting month in June!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><center>
<h1>
Beautiful Bookish Butterflies In-Review</h1>
<table border="1" bordercolor="202020" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; width: 100%;">
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<th style="background-color: #ff708a; width: 55%;"><h4>
<span style="color: white;">
Reviews</span></h4>
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<th style="background-color: #ff708a; width: 45%;"><h4>
<span style="color: white;">
Popular Reviews This Month</span></h4>
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<td><a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/book-review-love-lucas.html">Love Lucas by Chantelle Sedgwick</a>: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><br />
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/book-review-killer-instinct.html">Killer Instinct by Jennifer Lynn Barnes</a>: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><br />
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/book-review-biggest-flirts.html">Biggest Flirts by Jennifer Echols</a>: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><br />
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/book-review-life-unaware.html">Life Unaware by Cole Gibson</a>: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><br />
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/book-review-day-four.html">Day Four by Sarah Lotz</a>: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><br />
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/mini-reviews-my-secret-ella-remix.html">My Secret Ella Remix</a>: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-half-o"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i> | <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i> | <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><br />
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/book-review-dream-thieves.html">The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater</a>: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-half-o"></i><br />
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/book-review-world-after.html">World After by Susan Ee</a>: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><br />
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/book-review-because-youll-never-meet-me.html">Because You'll Never Meet Me by Leah Thomas</a>: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><br />
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/book-review-steelheart.html">Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson: </a><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><br />
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/book-review-court-of-thorns-and-roses.html">A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: </a><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-half-o"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i></td>
<td><center>
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/book-review-world-after.html"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1423238847l/12983100.jpg" width="150" /></a> <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/book-review-because-youll-never-meet-me.html"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1411406164l/20649195.jpg" width="150" /></a>
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<h4>
Features and Discussions</h4>
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<ul>
<li>Amanda talked about <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/2015-releases-worth-read.html">2015/2016 releases you should definitely check out</a></li>
<li>Amanda shared <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/7-design-resources-i-cant-live-without.html">7 design resources she can't live without</a></li>
<li>Amanda asked: <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/lesbian-bisexual-romance-young-adult.html">where are all the lesbian/bisexual relationships in young adult?</a></li>
<li>Amanda discussed <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/cover-comparison-goddess-josephine-angelini.html">Goddess by Josephine Angelini in Who Wore It Better</a></li>
<li>Amanda talked about <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/buying-keeping-books-without-reason.html">why she doesn't keep/buy books without reason</a></li>
<li>Amanda explained <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/celebrate-blogging-milestones-promote-party.html">why you should celebrate your blog milestones</a></li>
<li>Amanda shared her <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/top-ten-tuesday-amandas-favourite-series.html">favourite series of all time in Top Ten Tuesday</a></li>
<li>Amanda shared <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/4-ways-your-blog-can-benefit-your-resume.html">4 ways your blog can benefit your resume</a></li>
<li>Amanda introduced her new feature: <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/popular-vs-underrated-contemporary.html">Popular vs Underrated - Contemporaries</a>!</li>
<li>Amanda talked about her <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/five-friday-favourites-incomplete-series.html">favourite incomplete series in Five Friday Favourites</a> </li>
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<h4>
Your Favourite Discussions This Month</h4>
<a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/7-design-resources-i-cant-live-without.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hvacWwHZu3FlzCUYU7SExyA7xx5d2VOhrL5j03C2gXZr6qn0ZxvtoN4ZBdBPp6Nc3Br1s-p2wVyVPJf1bJ48In2AjR9Ll9HYHsUZENzLgwRj4c9MdRf48ZChCQLfQPj2uDB_biqgGgUI/s1600/7+design+resources.jpg" width="24%" /></a> <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/lesbian-bisexual-romance-young-adult.html"><img border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/amanda_gray_19941/where%20my%20ladies%20at_zpsx6qqdjev.png" width="48%" /></a> <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/4-ways-your-blog-can-benefit-your-resume.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaaNFLpUqck8zF6-V2djA_Yz-cT2egMGa-2XwdqTwvnVdZBzTDhFAcMgdlkbytVplI9EYQ8I6_QxNEMz0YihNVI88slo7_bICVKUgEl3HiSHB46rADwuiNIKPw2w-pUM6l0KyKCqeMm0/s1600/blog+benefit+resume.jpg" width="24%" /></a><br /><br />
<h4>
Blogging News</h4>
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Sadly, there's not been anything insanely exciting happening on Beautiful Bookish Butterflies this month. One thing that almost came about was our second edition of Summer Surge Read-a-thon, but due to lack of participants last year and a fear of being too busy to host the event well, we haven't announced it yet. We're still open to some sort of event some time this yeah, it just very well might not be during Summer sadly, and more than likely will not be a read-a-thon, but who knows.<br />
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Another important thing that's become more noticeable this month is that both of our time is running lower than usual, which means there have been days when nothing has been posted. This was never previously ideal, but we've come to realise that not having something everyday isn't the end of the world, so there may be a change that, in the future, there may be a day or two that we don't have anything planned. We're still considering possibly allowing guest posters or reviewers, but right now, we're focusing on ourselves and taking any time we might need, but we're definitely not going anywhere!<br />
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<h1>
Stacie's April In-Review</h1>
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Books Read</span></h4>
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Books of the Month</span></h4>
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<td>Because You'll Never Meet Me by Leah Thomas: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><br />
On The Fence by Kasie West: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><br />
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-half-o"></i><br />
Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><br />
The Accident Season by Moïra Fowley-Doyle: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><br />
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i> </td>
<td><center>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20649195-because-you-ll-never-meet-me" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1411406164l/20649195.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6691056-poison-study" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1265412116l/6691056.jpg" width="100" /></a></center>
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<h4>
Away from the Blog</h4>
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As you can see from the posts that you might have missed, Amanda has pretty much run the blog herself this month. I'm not going to sit here and make excuses as to why I haven't been active or contributed as much as I should have because the fact remains that I haven't. I am so extremely lucky to have a co-blogger/friend like Amanda who not only understands but has never once pressured me or made me feel bad for not pulling my weight.<br />
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Not much has been happening away from the blog, not much I'd like to talk about anyway. I've had 4 birthday party's to take Caitlyn to this month plus half term and Glenn's shifts have been all over the place so I just feel like I haven't had much Stacie time this month and its really affected me. I just need a big slap in the face and to be forced to sit down and do nothing but write, because my weeks are starting to just blend into one. I would sit telling myself that I would get some blogging done the next day, after feeling very unmotivated and just crappy, and the next day I would tell myself the same thing until a week went by and I had absolutely nothing on the blog to show for it. To put it lightly, I just haven't been in the right mental state this month. Next month will be different though, I'm going to be working SUPER hard and going back to a lot of planning in my calendar for the blog. If my part in our next monthly wrap up is anything like this one I don't know what I'll do.<br />
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<h1>
Amanda's April In-Review</h1>
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<span style="color: white;">
Books Read</span></h4>
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<span style="color: white;">
Books of the Month</span></h4>
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<td>World After by Susan Ee: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><br />
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-half-o"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><br />
Bruja by Aileen Erin: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><br />
Fire Fall by Bethany Frenette: Reading..</td>
<td><center>
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1414095301l/23355795.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1414095301l/23355795.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1395955350l/20454573.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1395955350l/20454573.jpg" width="100" /></a></center>
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<h4>
Away from the Blog</h4>
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May, in comparison to April, has been a much quieter month, and I've got to admit, I quite like that it's been that way, it's always nice to have a month that seems to just pass by and doesn't demand too much from you either physically or emotionally, it's a nice change. I guess the largest and most memorable thing that happened this month was that I dog-sat for my Aunt and Uncle while they went to soak up the sun in Salu. In fact, <a href="https://twitter.com/BookBadger_/status/599530304630607872">I</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BookBadger_/status/599960620499349504">subjected</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BookBadger_/status/600233091328770048">my</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BookBadger_/status/600244271753596928">twitter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BookBadger_/status/600244561802297345">followers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BookBadger_/status/600317417202524161">to</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BookBadger_/status/600317595892523009">a</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BookBadger_/status/600338694743203840">day</a>-<a href="https://twitter.com/BookBadger_/status/600591791847530496">to</a>-<a href="https://twitter.com/BookBadger_/status/600593145487851520">day</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BookBadger_/status/600627010495385600">account</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BookBadger_/status/600967144935956480">of</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BookBadger_/status/600995744921853954">my</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BookBadger_/status/601344856712224768">long</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BookBadger_/status/601404961956691968">chronicles</a> and while it was very demanding on a mental level, it's definitely worth it for the £100 I'll be getting and putting towards my best friends Birthday and Christmas presents, so yay for that!<br />
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May also saw me putting into practice a few things concerning BBB that I've been wanting to do for a while, and that was creating some great themed graphics that stood out (which you've been seeing regularly and in our sidebar, and progressing more into practical and blogging styled discussions that help others get the most out of their blog. I've been reading a little less lately, and while I'm putting a lot into getting that back up and working on the books I need to read, I'm really liking how great it's felt to get out some discussions that I've been wanting to share for ages, and how much you've been loving the change too. There's been such a great response, so I'm going to be focusing on posting what I love, when I want.<br />
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I know that June is going to be seeing me do another short course to get some experience in warehouses which is something I'm feeling will be much more up my alley, and as far as blogging is concerned, I'm not exactly sure what's going to coming up. There's more a little more pressure on me to keep things rolling, and while I love blogging, I'm loving the freedom that comes with taking time for myself, so we shall have to see what happens me thinks.<br />
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<h1>
How Was Your May? Let Us Know!
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Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-6675713558652284512015-05-29T00:23:00.001+01:002015-05-29T00:26:38.362+01:00Five Friday Favourites - Incomplete Series<center>
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Feature Details and Participation: <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/p/tell-me-your-favourite-things-five.html">Five Friday Favourites</a></center>
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I'm pretty much obsessed with series. Anybody that knows me knows this, and it's impossible not to <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Series">see all about series on Beautiful Bookish Butterflies</a>. I've talked about <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/my-series-relationship.html">my relationship with series</a> and <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/marathoning-series-what-to-consider.html">marathoning series</a>, <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/top-ten-tuesday-amandas-favourite-series.html">my all time favourite series</a> and <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/saying-goodbye-to-series.html">saying goodbye to series</a>, in fact, over 60% of my reads this year have been a part of series, and I love them so. There's no getting away from series when it comes to me, and I'm one of the few (it seems) readers who just can't stop lapping them up, so of course, I have a few firm favourites that aren't quote complete just yet, and I'm waiting extremely impatiently to finish them, and then attempt to let them go. Here's just five of those special series.<br />
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<h1>
Amanda's Favourite Incomplete Series</h1>
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<ol>
<li><b>Half Life by Sally Green:</b> Half Bad and Half Wild were without a doubt two of the biggest surprises of 2015 for me. The second person prose featuring throughout was one of the most impressive features, as was the different love triangle and it's twisted and dark characters, with the line between good and bad blending so so much. I'm really excited to see how Green ends the series next year, and it's definitely a favourite.</li>
<li><b>Unknown Assassin by Allen Zadoff:</b> This series is insanely close to being complete and I cannot wait to see how Zadoff closes off a fantastic, mysterious, dark and dangerous series, one that I never for one moment expected to love like I do. Zach is such a different hero of sorts, and his trails and the twists he goes through in order to find himself are so good, I'll be sad when it's over..</li>
<li><b>Alpha Girl by Aileen Erin:</b> Becoming Alpha was one my first ever review copies and I never for one moment expected to fall in love with the series and feel for the characters, and want to be a part of the world like I do. Yes, the series was one that I seriously liked, but it's most recent instalment, Bruja, just shot this book into my favourites, and I'll be so sad when this series finally ends. Pray it's not soon, because I want so much more.</li>
<li><b>The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes:</b> Another surprising series this year, although not too surprising because I was always secretly sure this series would be one that I liked, but one I loved, that was never expected. The mysteries, the characters and the development, the relationships and friendships, everything is so so good in this series, it's so underrated. Please, give it a go.</li>
<li><b>Thirteen by Tom Hoyle:</b> Definitely one of the most impressive, spooky, thrilling and scary books for children I've read, Thirteen and Spiders by Hoyle are just too good for this world. I only wish books like this were published when I was younger, I would have loved them then like I do now. The cults, the mysteries, the creepy and the damn right horrifying, the twists and the characters, seriously, try this series.</li>
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<h4>
Want to share your Five Friday Favourites? Link up below! ↓</h4>
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<h1>
What are your favourite incomplete series?</h1>
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Don't forget to check out our <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/p/tell-me-your-favourite-things-five.html">Future Five Friday Favourites Topics</a>!</h4>
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Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-34489772693102306082015-05-27T00:26:00.001+01:002015-05-27T00:26:54.486+01:00Book Review - A Court of Thorns and Roses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>A Court of Thorns and Roses</b><br />
Author: Sarah J. Maas<br />
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses<br />
Genres: Fantasy | New Adult<br />
Release Date: 7th May 2015<br />
Source: Review Copy - Bloomsbury<br />
Rating: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star-half-o"></i><i class="fa fa-star-o"></i><br />
<blockquote>
When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin - one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.<br />
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As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae.<br />
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But with an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, Feyre must find a way to stop it..<br />
or doom Tamlin - and his world - forever.</blockquote>
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This book and/or review may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due its use of language, sexual content, drug and alcohol abuse and/or violence. Please bare this in mind before reading.</div>
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Sometimes, books just don't impress you. No matter your expectations, nor the authors talent, the story itself can just feel, flat, and to me, that is what ACOTAR felt like. Flat. Unimpressive. A little, meh. Don't get me wrong, Maas' talent and writing still sings to me in a way many other authors couldn't even begin to dream of doing, and her talent of crafting stories in a way that always keeps me additively reading is commendable, if not fabulous, and yet ACOTAR felt miles away from any of my few expectations, and that's not a good thing. As featured with Deep Blue and The Rain, ACOTAR will be reviewed in the only way feels right to me..<br />
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Feyre. You see Feyre, I'm not going to say I disliked you, because really, I didn't. There were many occasions in which I thought you were great, seriously, your strength and your courage, and your warrior-style from the beginning really gave me fabulous feelings, and I felt as though I could understand what is was you were going through in order to protect yourself, protect your family, and just how harsh and pressuring life had been on you. Ugh Feyre, it seriously saddens my heart to tell you that as your story went on, you.. bored me. You just seemed to lose your fight, to lose your passion and your courage, you lost your faith, and you just seemed to become a different a character, a character I just couldn't get behind. You went through a lot, I know, I get that, I felt as those changes, I just couldn't help but wish you'd kept some of your spark, some of what made you you, rather than lose yourself in dreams, parties, painting and romantic attachments with furry animals.<br />
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Speaking of furry animals, can I ask you something? Please, don't take this the wrong way, but do you really, actually, honestly love Tamlin? I didn't feel for him what you did, well, <i>you definitely felt him didn't you darling</i>, but that's not what I mean, you two just didn't seem to have this overwhelming, complete and utter love for one another. There was a lot of tension between you two, a lot of sexual tension, and yes, Tamlin was a little.. *whispers* <i>on the hot side</i>, but where was your spark, where was your romance that everyone else felt and appreciated and fell in love with, WHERE WAS TAMLIN'S PERSONALITY GIRL?!<br />
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Tell me, what were some of Tamlin's qualities that you fell for?<br />
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I'm still waiting..<br />
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Exactly, he didn't seem to have any attractive, redeeming qualities you would really want in a guy.<br />
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So he went around murdering tetchy creatures in your back garden, and he danced with you during the night while you were very very <i>very</i> drunk, oh, and he almost chewed off your damned neck while high on night time faery drugs, but what kind of personality did he have? There were things I appreciated about him mind, and about your, your loyalty to one another, your sort of almost cuteness towards one another, how much you want to protect your families and friends and the people closest to you, how much you're willing to sacrifice for those people, and what you're willing to do, it's commendable, it's great from a character point of view, yet he just struck me as a very moody, brooding, overbearing, possessive, old grump with serious issues. Honestly Feyre, I think you could have done better, much, much better, and sacrificing your life, leaving everything and everyone you love behind, for him, I do think that probably wasn't what I would have done..<br />
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I won't lie, your actual story and all the little details that were involved where really quite wonderful. Granted, getting answers from a member of Tamlin's staff was a little out of the blue and info-dumpy and uncomfortable, but the execution of almost everything else, from the tension, to the plot, to the twists and turns, to learning about the history, I was right there with you Feyre, it was so damn fantastical and amazing to learn the things I did with you, or from you. Maas just wrote your story perfectly, and even when I was so angry or unimpressed or genuinely wondering why you felt the need to get involved in problems that weren't yours to get involved in, how you were written, how you felt and the scenes you were in felt real, it's one of the few things I feel were expected to be beautiful and were in fact, beautiful. Your action scenes, especially once your plot picked up and actually came into action, oh they were fabulous, as were you, it was like you'd come into yourself again. Courage, strength, passion, logic, intelligence, quick-thinking, all qualities I adored about you, and these showed later in your story, and when the writing got involved, oh, so so gorgeous. Rich, delicate, honest and magical, that's how your story felt.<br />
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You know who and what I did love? Lucien. Oh I know, he was a sweetie wasn't he? Well, kind of sweetie, you two didn't exactly see eye-to-eye (get it?) most of the time, but there was just something about him, something about his loyalty and care for you, his friendship and unwavering affection for you, how much he knew you meant to Tamlin, how much you meant to him, how much you meant to one another, man, at one point, I actually thought you two would make a fabulous pairing. I know, I was <i>waaaaaaaay</i> off wasn't I, but that is the point. Lucien lit up your story with his background, his emotions, his attitude, his humour, his protectiveness, his genuine love for you and Tamlin and his people. Oh, if only I'd felt for you and Tamlin the feelings I felt for Lucien, you and your story may have impressed me so much more, SO MUCH more. When you see Lucien next, could you possibly put in good word for me? I do so wish to give him a cuddle.<br />
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There were other people in your story that I can to like. Rhysand, maybe not him quite as much, I disliked his actions towards you horribly, especially how he did what he did to make Tamlin jealousy and ragey, it's pretty disgusting if I can be honest. Oh, and how he only saved you to become part of history, that's horrible, you know that right? Still, intentions and sensitivity and how he reminded me of Hades, he was definitely someone that interested me, and your family Feyre, YOUR FAMILY, do you remember them? The sisters, you care about and love so much, your Father who, lets be honest here, isn't worth the ground you walk on, I loved them, and you love them too, but please, spend some time with them next time, some positive time. Your family aspect was wonderful, but brushed over too much in favour of sexy-times with your fur-ball. Please Feyre, please don't forget your family for romance.<br />
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I'm really very interested in seeing where your story goes. You've been through a lot in the last few months, meeting Tamlin, being in faeryland, defeating scary queens and becoming, well, that's a lot to take in, and I can only imagine that you're going to go through an awful lot of development within this time period, and honestly, I really cannot wait. I pray for more Lucien, (please, don't tell him about my crush on him, he'll just tease and smirk at me, I can't take that) and I admit to being just a little sneakily interested in where your story with Rhys will go. Reckon it'll be something similar to Hades and Persephone, or have you not heard of Greek Mythology where your from? There's a lot of room for fantasticness in your story, and I am very interested and intrigued in seeing where goes from here, but my expectations are much lower, and I'm hoping, no, praying that you and I will become, at the very least, allies when we meet again. I'd love to actually like you a little more, if that's okay? Until next time Feyre, stay strong, stay badass, and do not let Tamlin push you around, you're better than that.<br />
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Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-11068274321983550112015-05-26T01:06:00.000+01:002015-05-26T01:06:07.113+01:00Book Review - Steelheart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Steelheart</b><br />
Author: Brandon Sanderson<br />
Series: Reckoners #1 <br />
Genres: Fantasy | Young Adult<br />
Release Date: 26th September 2013<br />
Source: Borrowed<br />
Rating: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i> <br />
<blockquote>
Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics. But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man you must crush his wills.<br />
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Nobody fights the Epics.. nobody but the Reckoners.<br />
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A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.<br />
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And David wants in. He wants Steelheart - the Epic who is said to be invincible. The Epic who killed David's father. For years, like the Reckoners, David's been studying, and planning - and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience.<br />
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He's seen Steelheart bleed. And he wants revenge.</blockquote>
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By now I think that everyone has heard about or read something by Brandon Sanderson, but I as always came very late to the party. Growing up I've always loved the fantastical worlds more than reality, so I was pretty shocked that I hadn’t heard of him before a few months ago. I first talked about him in Who Wore it Better post, not really knowing who he was or much about his stories but it seemed like after that I noticed him everywhere. I'm not even exaggerating with you, I started watching Booktube finally (late again) and it was like everyone and their next door neighbour was talking about him. So what did I do? I like any other normal person searched high and low for any of his book until I finally I hunted down Steelheart, I prepared myself for what was sure to be an excellent book while still trying to keep my expectations low and I was blown away. He isn't for everyone though, I'm not sure if Amanda would fangirl with me but for me, it was everything I wanted and more. <br />
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<a name='more'></a>Right from the start with the prologue I was hooked, we not only get a taste of what the people with super human abilities were like but we also first meet Steelheart. The book starts of with David and his dad at the bank when an Epic named Deathpoint turns up and decides to start killing people for the fun of it and if I remember rightly, to have word spread around so that he can be the Epic of the city. Anyway Steelheart arrives, a High Epic, and David's father thinks everything will be ok because he like so many others are convinced that there are good Epics out there, and he must be one of them. As it turns out he's not, and he's only goal there is to take over the city himself, in the process killing David's father and everyone else in the bank or so he thought. David escapes and makes it his life mission to be the one to end Steelheart, after all he is the only one to see the invincible man bleed.<br />
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Yep, that's just the prologue people, I mean I know that I don't do it justice but if that doesn't suck you in I don't know what will. After the prologue we see David older, wiser and more bitter. He's on the search for the Reckoners, a secret group of people working to restore peace to the world and the downfall of as many Epics as possible, he has spent the last 10 years building up a database on every Epic known, their abilities and known weakness (some he guessed) and he's kept tabs on the group too. David is well prepared but he still needs the resources and man power the Reckoners have in order to follow through with his plan. Finding them is the easy part for him, convincing them to let him join them isn't. <br />
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So enough about the plot, lets talk about characters. Firstly you have David, who is as you guessed the main character in the story and as for as they go, he wasn't really a bad one. He was funny, determined and not so set in his ways that he wouldn't listen to reason, he was written as a naïve gentle 18 year old and there wasn't one time when I was invested in what he was saying. However my favourite of the characters would have to be the merry little gang of crime fighters who put me in the mind of reincarnated Scoobies, which was one of the most EPIC things bout the book (did you get what I did there, did you? haha) . Out of the group the ones that stood out the most would have to be Prof and Abraham. Prof wasn't just the leader or the glue that kept them all together but he was a friend and he never treated any of the others like they were below him, just because he was in charge, he really respected and cared for all of the people on his team. Abraham was the one in charge of the weapons, the one who was always keeping people's spirits up with his witty banter and tales of life before and I was always happy when he was on the page. <br />
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Even though I'm a massive, massive fan of superhero's I still wasn't sure if this book would be for me (I'm more suited to staring at the god like people on the screen such as Thor, Loki or Wolverine. Yummy) but honestly this book was so good. It had enough character development to leave you feeling satisfied but like they could still grow, it had many twists and turns but not so much that you felt like you were going around in circles and it was overall just a well rounded, well written book that I'm sure many would find hard not to enjoy is some way. If you are undecided about it or any of his work, just take the plunge blind because you might be very surprised.<br />
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Snapexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05894518924876371938noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-17773986514927548302015-05-25T00:22:00.001+01:002015-05-25T00:22:44.277+01:00Popular vs Underrated - Contemporary Edition<center>
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Roll up roll up, it's time for another edition of 'Amanda creates a new feature and isn't sure how long it'll last, but hey, let's enjoy the moment while it lasts!' I'm kidding, I've got a feeling this might be a re-occuring feature, hence, I made a snazzy banner to highlight just how regular this could be, but that's not what's important, what's important is recommendations, but recommendations of books you probably had no idea actually existed. These are my favourite recommendations; there's nothing better than seeing someone reading a book they heard about from you and really liking it, it's like giving children candy and it making their day, beautifulness.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Let's not pretend that you all don't know that I live for unknown books, those little hidden gems that are so pretty and so wonderful and so brilliant, it physically hurts that people don't know about them, they are my bread and butter, or, for none British folk, my peanut butter and jam/(jelly?) of books. I think I read quite a lot of contemporary (although not as much as Stacie, she reads <i>loaaaaaads</i>, and I've read my fair share of popular and not-so reads, so of course, I decided this first installment would be focused on contemporaries, that and I wanted to show off my new infographics hobby. (I'm seriously addicted, I'm ashamed I didn't have this in my life!) Behold, Popular vs Underrated - Contemporary Edition..<br />
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<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="2312" scrolling="no" src="https://magic.piktochart.com/embed/5021715-pvsu-contemporary" style="overflow-y: hidden;" width="100%"></iframe><br />
Number of reviews was correct as of 16/03/2015</center>
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<h4>
The Popular Books</h4>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18460392-all-the-bright-places?ac=1">All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven</a> - Reviews: <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/book-review-all-bright-places.html">Stacie</a> | <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/book-review-all-bright-places.html">Amanda</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11870085-the-fault-in-our-stars?ac=1">The Fault in Our Stars by John Green</a> - Reviews: <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/book-review-fault-in-our-stars-by.html">Stacie</a> | <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/book-review-fault-in-our-stars.html">Amanda</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4374400-if-i-stay?ac=1">If I Stay by Gayle Forman</a> - Reviews: <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/book-review-if-i-stay.html">Amanda</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23302416-wonder?ac=1">Wonder by R.J. Palacio</a> - Reviews: <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/book-review-wonder.html">Amanda</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11505797-beautiful-disaster?ac=1">Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire</a><br />
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<h4>
The Underrated Books</h4>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12989100-me-since-you?ac=1">Me Since You by Laura Wiess</a> - Reviews: <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/book-review-me-since-you.html">Amanda</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20757521-love-and-other-unknown-variables?ac=1">Love and Other Unknown Variables by Shannon Lee Alexander</a> - Reviews: <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/book-review-love-and-other-unknown.html">Amanda</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23361784-tin-lily?ac=1">Tin Lily by Joann Swanson</a> - Reviews: <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/book-review-tin-lily.html">Amanda</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20743633-the-last-leaves-falling?ac=1">The Last Leaves Falling by Sarah Benwell</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23568582-what-if">What If by A.J. Pine</a> - Reviews: <a href="http://beautifulbookishbutterflies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/book-review-what-if.html">Amanda</a><br />
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<h4>
Community Recommendations</h4>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10369987-without-tess?ac=1">Without Tess by Marcella Pixley</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6604794-the-sky-is-everywhere?ac=1">The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068973-the-half-life-of-molly-pierce?ac=1">The Half Life of Molly Pierce by Katrina Leno</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/768192.Leftovers?from_search=true&search_version=service">Leftovers by Laura Wiess</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20613726-life-unaware?ac=1">Life Unaware by Cole Gibson</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1314332.Before_I_Die?ac=1">Before I Die by Jenny Downham</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12157780-when-you-were-here?ac=1">When You Were Here by Daisy Whitney</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/162086.Such_a_Pretty_Girl">Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess</a><br />
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<h1>
What are some Contemporaries you've loved?</h1>
Huge thank you to Bekka, Stormy and Tessa for their recommendations!</center>
Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-70026995238292991252015-05-21T10:08:00.001+01:002015-05-29T18:33:26.327+01:00Book Review - Because You'll Never Meet Me<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1411406164l/20649195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1411406164l/20649195.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a>
<b>Because You'll Never Meet Me</b><br />
Author: Leah Thomas<br />
Standalone<br />
Genres: Contemporary | Young Adult<br />
Release Date: 2nd July 2015<br />
Source: Review Copy - Bloomsbury Children's Books<br />
Rating: <i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i><i class="fa fa-star"></i>
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<blockquote>
Ollie and Moritz are best friends, but they can never meet. Ollie is allergic to electricity. Contact with it causes debilitating seizures. Moritz’s weak heart is kept pumping by an electronic pacemaker. If they ever did meet, Ollie would seize. But Moritz would die without his pacemaker. Both hermits from society, the boys develop a fierce bond through letters that become a lifeline during dark times—as Ollie loses his only friend, Liz, to the normalcy of high school and Moritz deals with a bully set on destroying him.<br />
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A story of impossible friendship and hope under strange circumstances, this debut is powerful, dark and humorous in equal measure. These extraordinary voices bring readers into the hearts and minds of two special boys who, like many teens, are just waiting for their moment to shine</blockquote>
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Everyone who knows me will know just how much I love a good, well written young adult contemporary. I'm always on the look out for the next best thing in the genre ever since getting my first taste of Sarah Dessen and John Green, and once in a while I come across a book that is so different than I expected or I'm left speechless, this everyone is how I felt after I finished Because You'll Never Meet Me. The first time I heard about this book was when I received an email from Lovereading4kids asking if I would like to review it, I skimmed over the summary and thought that I might as well because at the worst way it would just be a quick read. I was wrong, so so wrong. It was a quick read, but I was never prepared for the attachment or emotions I would feel towards the characters.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I think the first thing that gripped me about this book and sparked my interest from the start is how unlike the majority of contemporary books out there, this story is set completely from the pov of 2 young boys. We have Ollie who is 14 and allergic to electricity, causing him and his mother having to live isolated in a wooden cabin without so much as a light bulb. We have Moritz who is 16 and was not only born without eyes but relies on a pacemaker to keep him alive. Ollie lives in America and Moriz is from Germany, with some encouragement from a family friend Ollie decides to take the leap and send Moritz a letter, which in turn he reply's to and a friendship is born.<br />
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Ollie is a joker, he's lived without electricity for so long, been seen as a recluse and strange for so long that making light of his situation has just become second nature for him, of course deep down he wants to be normal like everyone else but he still remains a hopeful and positive young man through out the story. Moritz is the polar opposite in every way to Ollie, not only is he deathly serious but he gets to partake in normal activities, like going to school. Moritz has resulted to wearing goggles to hid the fact that he has no eyes, even though everyone thinks he is blind, Moritz can actually sense his soundings by clicking his tongue (a very super sensitive form of echolocation). He's constantly trying desperately to hid his deformation from the outside world after be shunned before and it's resulted in leaving him a bitter 16 year old.<br />
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This books is one that is very, very original and unique. The chapters are made up of the letters that both boys send to each other, and admittedly I thought at first it wouldn't work or it would in some way make it hard to connect to either the story or the characters, but it honestly just made me love them more. It works because you get a feel first hand from reading what they've put to paper what they are like, you get to experience their feelings on such a deep and raw level. As they can never meet or it could kill Ollie, the result to just being completely open and honest, putting their whole heart into their letters and I would be surprised if anyone could read this book and not feel for them.<br />
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I was so surprised by this book, its one of the reason I love the relationship I've built up with Lovereading4kids over the past 9 months, through them I have had books available to me that I wouldn't otherwise think about reading or get around to. The writing style or it might not be easy for everyone to get to grips with, it may start of slow or you may find that you can't connect with them as much as you thought, but if I could give you one advice it would be to stick at it. Making friends isn't easy for everyone and watching these too come to terms with a few home truths and deal with the repercussions that follow once some secrets unravel is worth it, trust me. This isn't just a debut novel about friendship and family or acceptance of oneself, its about two teenagers struggling each day to live without the things that others sometimes take for granted. Leah Thomas is without a doubt one to watch in the future.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNxQ2l71i2T_bBEykeoQ5A5YXmzhCQUtrDTP6a2ByJH2B608dGTfw8oSLde4n9xy9hMr0uA5N7tOZLLlECxYLjc4w5XIGwYLUCFqqTa7PWIR3FY6vx1XMzpBCS49wXTnDKALwvkChCf1o/s1600/STACIE.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNxQ2l71i2T_bBEykeoQ5A5YXmzhCQUtrDTP6a2ByJH2B608dGTfw8oSLde4n9xy9hMr0uA5N7tOZLLlECxYLjc4w5XIGwYLUCFqqTa7PWIR3FY6vx1XMzpBCS49wXTnDKALwvkChCf1o/s320/STACIE.png" /></a></div>
Snapexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05894518924876371938noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523741214914719296.post-51963029223628945782015-05-20T00:00:00.000+01:002015-05-21T10:10:24.482+01:004 Ways Your Blog Can Benefit Your Résumé<center>
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We all have CV's and résumé's, most of them are more than likely a little out of date, not very exciting and lacking in what could be deemed as interesting information about ourselves. God forbid we actually shared a little something personal about ourselves when applying for a job, employers are much more interested in why we enjoy <strike>socialising with friends</strike> lazy nights in with our cat, or <strike>actively seeking out new and exciting opportunities</strike> doing whatever job will hire you until you get bored and find another.<br />
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<h4>
If you run a blog, you're missing out on great résumé content!</h4>
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<a name='more'></a>
Sure, talking about how you go running (who are you trying to kid?) and regularly train for country-wide swimming competitions (do you even have a swimming costume?) may make you sound outgoing and exciting, it's probably a long way from the truth, and you'd have more luck being down-right honest and sharing what your passionate about, in this case, blogging.<br />
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Of course, I would not advise that you go into detail about how you sit in your pyjamas all day on your computer, typing away and shouting out to the void. Instead, here's four ways you can use your blog as a form of work experience - perfect for those who haven't got much, or those wanting to showcase their skills a little more.<br />
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<h1>
1. Corresponding or Working with Professionals</h1>
No matter the type of blog you run, you will almost always end up creating professional relationships with people in the industry you blog in, whether it be stylists if you're into fashion, designers and coders if you specialise in web design, sponsors if you're looking into breaking through from hobby to paid work, or publishers, if like me, you enjoy blogging about books. Mentioning that you've worked with these professionals in said industry can be highly beneficial, it shows that:
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<ul>
<li>you can create and maintain professional, workplace relationships</li>
<li>you are comfortable and well educated in email or online correspondence</li>
<li>you understand proper mannerisms and are grammatically fluent</li>
<li>you are confident and not afraid of getting to know the people that will get you places</li>
</ul>
It's important to remember that in any working position, you will have to be confident, be professional and be able to maintain professional relationships, no matter your personal or emotional feelings at any given time. Working with professionals within your blogging experience can bring a lot of positive benefits.<br />
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<h1>
2. Social Networking/Marketing</h1>
As the internet continues to evolve, so do companies, and as they evolve, so does their use of social media and how they market themselves, their products or services, and their business. As somebody who runs a blog, (I would assume) you would already have plenty of experience in using social networks, getting the most out their SEO and promotion tactics and will have a broad understanding of marketing in the online industry. Mentioning this experience shows that:
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<ul>
<li>you are experienced in social networking and capable of advertising online</li>
<li>you are flexible and able to to adapt along with social networks as they continue to evolve</li>
<li>you know how to get the right product or service to the right audience, quickly and easily</li>
<li>you are educated in online etiquette, language and understand the restrictions of social media</li>
</ul>
As the world continues to make use of the internet and social media more and more, the need for experience and education in this sector is increasing every day. Your experience, whether as a hobby or a part-time professional could just be enough to snag you that job ahead of your other competitors.<br />
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<h1>
3. Organisation, Planning and Scheduling</h1>
One of the most important and frequently given pieces of advice when blogging is the organise yourself, have a plan of action, and prepare and schedule your content. If you do all three of the above, you're well on your way to proving that your time-keeping skills are excellent, that you can work to a deadline, and that you always aim to finished and complete your work on time, to the best of your ability, at the highest quality possible. Organisation is possibly the most important of these three when consider your résumé, employers are looking for proof that you can organise yourself, organise others should the need arise, and that you're a tough bird to get flustered too easily. Using this experience easily shows that:
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<ul>
<li>you have impeccable time-keeping skills and can work within set periods of time</li>
<li>you can organise yourself professionally and calmly, and are in control of the task in hand</li>
<li>you can work to deadlines, complete tasks on time and ensure the work is of a high standard</li>
<li>you take any amount of work seriously and understand the need for being punctual, professional and precise</li>
</ul>
These three skills are things manner employers expect, but so many employee's take for granted when explaining what they're positively great at. being tidy, on time and a little anal in organisation is only a good thing, and there's never anything to be ashamed of in admitting it.<br />
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<h1>
4. Passion and Dedication</h1>
If you claim to have no hobbies, or that you're pretty work obsessed, employers can take that as a positive, but many like to know that you have something away from home, that you are decidedly human in that you actually appreciate a break away. By having a hobby like blogging that you dedicate time, effort and pour love and energy into shows that:
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<ul>
<li>you're passionate about what you love, and enjoy sharing that passion with others</li>
<li>you will put time and effort into something that you feel strongly about, no matter the rewards</li>
<li>you have the ability to turn something you love and are passionate about, into a rewarding hobby</li>
<li>you can create a positive space in which you work well, stay positive, and feel comfortable in</li>
</ul>
Passion and dedication for something, for anything, highlights that you're an exciting person, that you have things you absolutely love outside of your working life, that you take a task and make it as fabulous as it can be, and if you're in the right environment, you can work positively and enthusiastically, and if there's anything employers want, it's enthusiastic and hard working staff.<br />
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<h1>
Bloggers: How Could Your Blog Benefit Your Résumé?</h1>
What skills have you gained through blogging? Are there any benefits you can think of that I've missed?</center>Amanda Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357839391966441808noreply@blogger.com16